Skipped at the altar, Taken by his uncle Novel

Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett 18 Summary In Chapter 18 of "Time Between Lost Worlds," Whitney prepares for an important dinner at the Royal Crest Club, wearing a striking blue suit that boosts her confidence. She is determined to help Mr. Walton secure a crucial contract, motivated by her desire to prove herself and support her family. As she stands in front of the mirror, she pumps her fist in encouragement, channeling her inner warrior and reminding herself of her goals.

The dinner is tense as Whitney meets the representatives from the Harris Group, including Calvin, who scrutinizes her and her colleague Frank. Despite her nerves, Whitney holds her ground, introducing herself with warmth and confidence. Ivan Walton, her boss, speaks highly of her accomplishments, which piques Calvin's interest. The atmosphere is charged with competition as both teams engage in conversation, and Whitney struggles with her anxiety while trying to maintain a composed exterior.

As drinks are served, Whitney is aware of her sensitive stomach but decides to keep up with the social expectations of the evening. She politely declines to drink much but is encouraged by Frank's supportive gestures. The dinner progresses with toasts and compliments, and Whitney feels a mix of pride and apprehension as she navigates the social dynamics. However, her discomfort grows when she realizes she forgot her hangover pills, and her stomach protests against the alcohol.

The tension escalates when Calvin receives an urgent phone call, revealing that a significant person is arriving at the dinner. Whitney's unease deepens as she wonders who it could be, and her anxiety is compounded when she excuses herself to the restroom. Upon returning, she is shocked to find her uncle, Klein, seated at the table. The unexpected presence of someone she thought she wouldn't see complicates her situation, and she feels flustered as she must now confront the reality of her family ties amidst a high-stakes business environment.

Whitney steels herself for the challenges ahead, knowing that her relationship with Klein could impact her career aspirations. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Title: Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett** **Chapter 18** Whitney had chosen a striking blue suit for the evening, a smart choice that exuded maturity and professionalism while still showcasing her unique flair. The fabric hugged her figure in all the right places, making her feel both confident and empowered.

As she stood before the mirror, she couldn't help but pump her fist in a small act of self-encouragement, channeling her inner warrior. "For Grandma's sake, I've got to give it my all and help Mr. Walton secure this contract," she reminded herself, determination burning in her chest. The dinner was to be held at the prestigious Royal Crest Club, a venue known for its elegance and exclusivity. Ivan Walton had brought along two of their lawyers-Whitney and Frank-understanding the importance of having a strong team by his side.

Knowing Whitney's sensitive stomach, Ivan had ensured that Frank, who had a reputation for holding his liquor, accompanied them. On the opposing side, the Harris Group was represented by Calvin and two others from the investment department, along with a deputy director from finance. Each of them was a pivotal player in the company, and Whitney felt the weight of the evening's stakes. "Mr. Walton, I've heard a lot about you," Calvin said, extending his hand for a firm shake with Ivan. His gaze shifted to Whitney and Frank, sizing them up as if evaluating their worth.

With a confidence that belied her nerves, Ivan introduced his team, "These are the two best lawyers on my team, Whitney and Frank." Whitney felt a flutter of anxiety but maintained her composure. "Hello, Mr. Malone. I'm Whitney Moore," she replied, injecting warmth into her tone. Calvin nodded, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You really are young and promising. Ms. Moore, you look like you're barely in your early twenties, right?" With a hint of pride, Whitney responded, "Actually, Mr.

Malone, I'm already 26." Ivan's face lit up with pride as he spoke of Whitney's accomplishments. "Whitney got into the best law school with the top score and went straight into grad school. Even though she's still a junior lawyer, she'll be up for senior status next year." Achieving senior lawyer status by 26 was no small feat; it was impressive, even badass. Calvin's interest was piqued, and he gave her another look, this time more appreciative.

As Ivan and Calvin navigated the conversation, Hubbard Hampton from the Harris Group's investment department called the waiter over with a friendly demeanor. "Everyone's okay with drinking, right?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. His gaze fell on Whitney, and he grinned. "Ms. Moore, are you alright with having a drink?" Ivan was about to interject, to explain that Whitney had her limits when it came to alcohol, but she beat him to it. "I'm not much of a drinker, but I'm really happy to meet you all tonight.

Hope you won't mind if I can't keep up," she said, her voice steady and cheerful. "Whitney's really going all out," Ivan thought to himself, admiration swelling within him. Hubbard chuckled, "Ms. Moore, you're really straightforward. It doesn't matter how much you drink, as long as we're having fun." Whitney mentally grimaced, thinking, 'Guess I'll be drinking a lot tonight.' Frank, seated beside her, discreetly shot her a thumbs-up under the table, a sign of encouragement. She couldn't help but smile bitterly inwardly, thinking, 'No choice. I just want to get ahead.

Only with enough money in my pocket can I finally push back against my family.' Once the food was laid out on the table, Whitney kept her expression bright as she accepted the full glass of liquor from Hubbard. Ivan shot her a sideways glance, his expression a mix of concern and amusement, as if silently warning her about the choice she had just made. Catching his look, Whitney understood the unspoken message: "You brought this on yourself." Ivan was the first to raise his glass, and after his toast, Hubbard turned to Whitney with a broad smile. "Ms. Moore, I propose a toast to you.

You're such a beautiful lawyer," he said, his tone teasing yet sincere. Whitney was no stranger to such compliments; being teased about her looks was an expected part of the business dinner ritual. Without hesitation, she raised her glass in response. "Thank you, Mr. Hampton," she said, her confidence shining through. She took a generous gulp, and her composed demeanor seemed to ease Hubbard's tension. "Mr. Walton, Ms. Moore is a real asset to your team," he praised. Ivan couldn't help but smirk, "Ms. Moore is a real pro, Mr. Hampton. Don't let her age fool you.

She's hands down the best young lawyer on our team." Whitney felt a pang of anxiety as she realized she had forgotten her usual hangover pills, and her stomach was already beginning to grumble in protest. Yet, she managed to keep her smile intact. "Honestly, it's only because Mr. Walton believed in me and gave me a shot." A middle-aged man from the investment team stood up, his enthusiasm palpable. "With such a young and promising lawyer here, I've got to share a drink with Ms. Moore!" Whitney felt a mix of pride and helplessness as she stood up again, lifting her glass to join in the toast.

Just then, Calvin's phone lit up with an incoming call, and his expression shifted to one of tension. He raised his hand, signaling for silence. Whitney's hand froze around her glass, her heart racing. 'Who could be calling to make him look so serious?' she wondered, anxiety creeping in. Calvin set his glass down and leaned in to check the caller ID, his face shifting to one of surprise. "Hello, sir? Yeah, we're having dinner with PrimeBridge Law Firm. Yep, at the Royal Crest Club. Are you coming over?" he asked, his tone suddenly urgent. Calvin jumped up. "You're already at the entrance?

I'll come and get you right away," he said, his voice laced with excitement. After hanging up, Calvin shot Ivan a look that was heavy with implication. He thought, 'Man, PrimeBridge Law Firm just hit the jackpot. Our boss happened to show up tonight.' "Mr. Walton, I'm going to go greet someone," Calvin announced, his voice brimming with anticipation. Ivan felt a surge of excitement-judging by Calvin's tone, this had to be someone significant. "Let me come with you, Mr. Malone," Ivan said quickly, eager to be part of whatever was unfolding.

Whitney sat back down, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. 'Who could it be? No way it's Uncle Klein or George, huh?' she mused, quickly dismissing the thought. George had just mentioned wanting to have dinner with her today, so he definitely wouldn't be here for business. And Klein? That was even less likely; he had always considered these business dinners beneath him. "Frank, I'm going to the restroom," Whitney said, trying to shake off her nerves. Frank leaned in, concern etched on his face. "You okay?" "I'm fine," Whitney replied, shaking her head. "Just drank a bit too fast.

My stomach is acting up." Excusing herself, Whitney slipped out of the room. She hadn't been gone long when Klein walked in, flanked by Calvin and Ivan. Klein's piercing gaze scanned the crowd, his eyebrows arching with interest. 'Where is she?' he thought, his mind focused. The men from the Harris Group all stood up simultaneously, exclaiming, "Mr. Harris, good to see you here." Frank was taken aback, having seen this man's face gracing the covers of magazines. His voice trembled as he managed to greet, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Harris." 'Whoa, Klein is actually here.

Man, this dinner just got legendary,' Frank thought, his mind racing. Calvin tried to offer Klein the main seat, but Klein shrugged it off with a casual wave. "I'll sit here. Is this seat taken?" he asked, pointing to the very spot where Whitney had been seated moments ago. Calvin hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Uh, sure. Ms. Moore went to the restroom, right? She can just take the seat next to Mr. Reese when she gets back." With that arrangement, Whitney and Klein would be separated by Frank, a move that seemed to satisfy Calvin's intentions.

Klein's eyes narrowed slightly, betraying nothing. "No need to make it so complicated," he said, gesturing at Frank. "Move over one seat. Let the one you mentioned take this spot." Calvin was taken aback, surprised by the abrupt change in seating. He had intentionally arranged things, knowing his boss preferred to keep a distance from women. 'What's up with this?' Calvin wondered, feeling completely thrown off. He thought Klein probably didn't hear it clearly that it was a woman who would be sitting next to him.

'Just hope Whitney can read the room and doesn't end up doing something to tick off the boss,' Calvin thought, anxiety creeping in. Meanwhile, Whitney rummaged through her purse, pulling out a hangover pill and swallowing it dry. She then asked the waiter for a cup of hot water, downing it in one gulp. Finally, her stomach settled a bit, but as soon as she pushed open the door, her mind went blank. 'Why is the one person I thought I'd never see here just sitting there in my seat like it's the most normal thing in the world?' Whitney thought, feeling utterly flustered.

Ivan noticed Whitney frozen in the doorway and called out, "Whitney, don't just stand there. Come in and grab a seat." 'Where am I supposed to sit?' Whitney wondered, feeling a bit lost. Her eyes darted to the only empty chair, and for a moment, she felt like time had stopped. 'OMG! The only seat left is right next to Uncle Klein,' Whitney thought, her heart racing in her chest. Klein offered a subtle smile. "Hey, why don't you come over and have a seat?" With her heart pounding and her mind racing, Whitney took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

Conclusion In the swirling chaos of the evening, Whitney found herself standing at the precipice of a pivotal moment, her heart racing as she confronted the unexpected presence of Uncle Klein. The stakes felt higher than ever, and the weight of her ambitions pressed heavily on her shoulders. She had entered the Royal Crest Club determined to prove her worth, not just to her colleagues but to herself and her family.

However, the sudden appearance of Klein, a figure she had long associated with her family's expectations, threatened to unravel the carefully constructed facade of confidence she had built. Yet, as she stood frozen in the doorway, a flicker of resolve ignited within her. This was not just about the contract; it was about reclaiming her narrative and asserting her independence in a world that often sought to define her. As Whitney took a deep breath and moved toward the only available seat next to Klein, she felt a shift within herself.

The familiar pangs of anxiety were met with a newfound determination. She was no longer just the young lawyer seeking validation; she was a force to be reckoned with, ready to carve her own path despite familial ties and societal expectations. The evening's challenges loomed large, but Whitney understood that this moment could redefine her relationship with her uncle and her place within the corporate landscape. With each step closer to the table, she embraced the uncertainty, ready to face whatever came next.

Whitney's heart races not just from the unexpected encounter but also from the realization that her uncle's presence could complicate her efforts to prove herself in front of the Harris Group. How will she maintain her composure and professionalism while grappling with her familial ties? The stakes are higher than ever, and Whitney must find a way to balance her ambitions with the emotional turmoil that comes with facing Klein. Moreover, the dinner's dynamics promise to shift dramatically as Calvin's unexpected guest arrives, potentially altering the course of the negotiations.

Dex Morgan Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.