Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 58

Victoria feigned defending her. "Serena, don't say that. If Stephanie isn't coming tonight, she must have a good reason. Why would she be jealous of me? Even though I got the associate director position she wanted, I'm sure she's not the petty type to hold a grudge over something like that."

"It's a company dinner, and she's the only one not coming. What is it if not jealousy? She's never missed one before," Serena said.

Stephanie had originally planned to meet with Jonathan tonight to discuss the Meridian Consortium acquisition.

After all, it was a time-sensitive matter.

She had set up the meeting herself, so canceling last minute would be unprofessional.

But, if they were so eager for her to attend the team dinner, she could make an exception.

Stephanie smiled. "Victoria's bringing her boyfriend tonight? An event that rare? Even if I'm busy, I'll have to make time to see that."

Her sudden agreement made Victoria feel a flicker of panic, as if Stephanie was planning something.

Stephanie texted Jonathan to ask if they could reschedule their meeting.

Reading the message, Jonathan rubbed his temples. Had he just been stood up?

When she didn't get a reply for a while, Stephanie couldn't figure out what Jonathan was thinking.

Worried he was angry and that the deal would fall through before it even began, Stephanie sent a voice message:

"Jonathan, the main issue is that the restaurant I wanted to take you to is incredibly popular, and I couldn't get a reservation. Can we meet tomorrow instead? Please?"

The soft, gentle sound of her voice came through the speaker, and the tension in Jonathan's brow eased.

This time, his reply was quick. He typed: "Oh? What restaurant is so hard to book?"

Stephanie: "That steakhouse on Axiom Avenue."

Jonathan: "What a coincidence. I have a premium membership there."

She lied without batting an eye: "That won't do. I'm the one treating you; how could I use your membership?"

"Oh? So what you're saying is," Jonathan's lips curved into a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes, "I rank somewhere after your 'just colleagues,' is that right?"

This guy... why was he taking it so seriously?

But he didn't say anything more and walked away. Still, the look on his face as he left was far from happy.

It made sense. What kind of powerful investor gets treated so poorly? He was a major player; he could acquire any company he wanted.

Stephanie decided she would find time tomorrow to go to Ironhold Investment Group in person and apologize to Jonathan.

After all, she was the one who canceled. If she wanted to work with him, she needed to be flexible.

Not long after Stephanie entered the restaurant, Quennel walked in too.

Jonathan, still in his car and about to leave, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

Beside him, Tobias added salt to the wound. "Jonathan, looks like they're not over at all. Bringing family to a work dinner... guess you're out of the running, huh?"