Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 99

Jonathan's tone was that of a nonchalant playboy.

Coming from a friend, the words would have been a playful jab. But they both knew they were rivals. It wasn't teasing; it was mockery.

Quennel didn't say much more. He was in no mood to argue.

Too much had happened today, and he needed to find Victoria. He hung up, quickly turned the car around, and drove away from The Obsidian Circle.

In the darkness, Jonathan watched the car's taillights disappear and lit the crushed cigarette.

A single point of red glowed in the car as he took a long drag, his expression hidden by the smoke.

...

Half an hour later, Quennel's car was parked downstairs from Victoria's apartment.

The building was moderately new, and the ostentatious luxury car parked at the entrance drew curious glances from the residents.

A car like that clearly didn't belong to an ordinary office worker, and everyone wondered who was inside.

Victoria hurried out of the building, breathless.

She opened the passenger door, a touch of apology on her face. "Quennel, you haven't been waiting long, have you?"

Quennel looked at her, his gaze cold. "Why did you lie to me?"

Victoria froze, her smile stiffening. "When did I lie to you?"

"The Sapphire Group project. You and Stephanie were competitors. Why didn't you tell me?" Quennel demanded.

Victoria's fingers curled into her palms. She knew she couldn't hide this forever.

After a few seconds of silence, she looked at him, her eyes sincere. "I didn't mean to hide it. You know your father favors Stephanie. I had no chance competing against her. He would have definitely chosen her. I just wanted a fair shot."

"My father chose Stephanie because she's exceptional, it has nothing to do with personal feelings. So because you couldn't beat her, you decided to use me? Victoria, you took advantage of my kindness!"

Victoria shook her head, trying to explain, but Quennel wasn't listening.

"Get out of the car. We shouldn't see each other again unless it's absolutely necessary."

Victoria's face fell. "Quennel, are you dumping me?"

Quennel shot back, "When were we ever together?"

"But I'm carrying your child!" Victoria grabbed his hand, tears streaming down her face. "I did it for our baby, Quennel. You're going to be a father."

Quennel's gaze fell to her flat stomach.

He still couldn't believe it.

Was Victoria really pregnant?

"Getting this project means I'll be part of Sapphire Group's management. I know I'm not good enough for you, but being in management brings me one step closer."

Victoria's hot tears dripped onto the back of Quennel's hand.

"The doctor said my health isn't great. I suffered a lot when I was young, and it damaged my body. This might be the only child I can ever have. Quennel, I've been trying so hard to get closer to you."

The mention of her pregnancy just made Quennel feel like the whole situation was absurd. "But I don't remember anything about that night."

"You were drunk, of course you don't remember. But I remember everything."

Victoria boldly hooked her arm around his neck, her eyelashes trembling as she leaned in and kissed him. "Her loss is my gain. I'm going to cherish every bit of you."

She pressed herself against him, her eyes shining and vulnerable, a deliberate provocation.

Quennel was a healthy man, and he quickly felt a response.

But he still pushed her away. "It's late. You should go up. I have to go too."

Victoria's expression dimmed. "I want to spend more time with you. Let's go get a late-night snack, okay?"

Quennel said, "No."

"But I'm hungry. Are you really going to let me starve?"

Victoria gave him a pitiful look, pouting. "Ever since you made that call, I've been on edge, worried you wouldn't want the baby. I haven't even been able to eat."

She leaned back against the seat, feigning despair. "Whatever. I'll just starve to death."

Quennel chuckled. "You're about to be a mother, stop acting like a child."

He helped her with her seatbelt, turned the car around, and drove out of the complex. "What do you want to eat?"

Victoria's face lit up. "How about that seafood place you love? Oh, but maybe too much seafood isn't good for the baby. Then let's go to that hot pot place you like second best?"

She remembered all his favorites.

Quennel's gaze softened, but he recalled that he used to go to those places with Stephanie.

Now that the person beside him had changed, even his favorite restaurants didn't seem so appealing anymore.