Reserved Seat, Broken Promise, New Crown Novel

Chapter 1 Three days before the company's annual New Year's party , I personally reviewed the final seating chart . That's when I noticed my name had been replaced by another woman's - Sophie Ray , the investor's niece who had parachuted into the company three months ago . My chest tightened as if something had lodged there . The seat next to Grant Sullivan wasn't just a matter of proximity ; it symbolized status , and more importantly , a promise he had once made in front of everyone . And now he had given it to someone else .

Rumors about Grant and Sophie's closeness in the office immediately came to mind again . I called over the party coordinator right away . " What's going on with this seating chart ? " The coordinator stammered , " It - it was personally revised by Mr. Sullivan . " Anger and disappointment coiled inside me . I clenched the paper and stormed straight to Grant's office . Some things had to be said face to face . Some decisions probably needed to be made . I pushed open Grant's office door and saw Sophie leaning casually against his desk , both of them bent over a document , smiling .

Hearing me enter , Grant looked up , a trace of amusement still lingering in his eyes . " Natalie's here ? " Sophie's voice was saccharine , almost cloying . " We're just discussing the gala schedule . " I said nothing and walked straight to the desk , placing the seating chart before him . " Why has my seat been given to Sophie ? " Grant glanced at it , drumming his fingers lightly on the armrest . " Sophie suggested that the founder's sides should be reserved for key investors . It's more proper etiquette . Her uncle can't attend , so she's filling in .

You're the Chief Administrative Officer ; it's more appropriate for you to sit in the management section . " Chapter 1 11.11 % I looked at Sophie . She gave a tight - lipped smile . " Natalie , don't overthink it . I was just offering a suggestion . You spend so much time with Grant anyway , why let one evening matter ? " " So , " my voice went dry , " you actually went with her suggestion ? " For a moment , the office felt frozen . Grant frowned . " Natalie , don't do this . It's just business . " " Just business , " I repeated , and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh .

" Then what about last year , the year before ? I sat next to you , was that mixing business with pleasure ? " " At that time , the company wasn't this big , " he said , irritation creeping into his tone . " Now , how many eyes are on us ? I have to consider appearances . " What appearances ? " I stared at him . " Me sitting next to you affects the company's image ? The fundraising ? Or does it affect how you want to appear single in front of investors ? " The moment the words left my mouth , his expression darkened . He circled the desk and placed a hand on my shoulder .

Once , this gesture had felt warm ; now it only felt heavy . " Don't make a fuss , " he murmured . " It's just a seat . Come on , tonight I'll cook your favorite seafood noodles at home , okay ? " There it was again . Every time there was a disagreement , he would brush it off with " don't fuss , " "it's not a big deal , " or " I'll make it up to you later . " } And before , I would always soften . But now , I was clear - eyed . " Fine , " I said , yielding to him . Grant exhaled in relief . " That's more sensible . " I said nothing more , picked up the seating chart , and turned to leave .

Chapter 1 11.11 % As the door closed behind me , I heard Sophie's soft voice , " Grant , is Natalie mad at me ? " " She'll get over it , " he replied . I leaned against the hallway wall and took a deep breath . My phone buzzed ; it was a message from my father : [ The five - year promise is almost up . How did it turn out ? ] Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter.

With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.