Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 60

"Come on, have a seat!"

A few quick-witted colleagues immediately gave up the best seat for him.

Quennel had an exceptional air about him—the kind of effortless confidence that comes from being born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

As professionals, they were all hoping to get on his good side and maybe get an introduction to his circle of friends.

Quennel checked his watch. He still had some time before his meeting with the clients, so sitting for a bit wouldn't hurt.

He looked at Victoria and asked quietly, "A work dinner?"

Victoria nodded. "I told you about it this afternoon, but you didn't reply, so I thought you weren't coming."

Hearing it was a work dinner, Quennel immediately scanned the room, searching for a familiar figure.

She wasn't there. His expression darkened.

Victoria noticed immediately.

Her eyes welled up slightly, and she whispered so only he could hear, "I'm sorry, Quennel. You argued with your father because of me."

She had heard that Ternence had called him into his office that afternoon and chewed him out.

Growing up, Quennel had always been the golden child, the model son that other parents compared their kids to. Ternence had always been proud of him and had never reprimanded him so harshly.

The memory of it was irritating.

Ternence had been so loud that the whole of Verdant Grove Capital knew he'd threatened to disown his son.

Stephanie returned from the restroom.

Quennel was the center of attention, with everyone taking turns toasting him. Someone even wished him and Victoria a long and happy life together with many children.

Serena leaned toward Quennel and said with a smile, "Don't mind her. Stephanie's always had a bad attitude. She's terrible with people and doesn't show anyone respect. We're all used to it."

Quennel replied enigmatically, "Is that so?"

Victoria didn't like how everyone's attention had shifted to Stephanie.

She deliberately changed the subject. "Quennel's not a heavy drinker, so please go easy on him. He has another engagement later. If you all want to keep drinking, I can drink on his behalf."

As she spoke, Victoria picked up the glass Quennel had been using, pretending she was about to drink from it.

Quennel took the glass back from her. "Don't be silly. A few drinks won't get me drunk. You can't even hold your liquor, what are you doing?"

He casually draped his arm over the back of her chair, every gesture radiating affection.

Serena saw this and teased, "Wow, am I the only one feeling the public display of affection here?"