Next Man Better Plan novel Chapter 58

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?”

That evening, the group arrived at the steakhouse on Axiom Avenue.

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10.11

Chapter 58

Stephanie had to finish up some work, so she arrived about fifteen minutes later than her colleagues.

As she walked past the entrance, Jonathan was just stepping out.

Their eyes met. Jonathan raised an eyebrow, his gaze teasing. “This place is hard to book?”

Stephanie froze for a second, then quickly said “Oh… I’m just passing by.”

Just then, a friendly colleague inside saw her and waved enthusiastically through the glass. “Stephanie, over here! I saved you a seat!”

The air went dead silent.

Jonathan: “Heh… Passing by?”

Forcing herself to stay calm, Stephanie lifted her chin and gave him a smile. “Jonathan, as you can see, it’s a work dinner. I really didn’t mean to ditch you. They’re just… colleagues. I was planning a private dinner just for you.”

“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?”

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