the two of them headed for the door together.


    Not once did he spare a thought for Noreen.


    She couldn’t me him, really. After all, it’s impossible to shield two people from the rain with one umbre.


    Seth’s favoritism was so tant, Noreen had long since stopped trying to keep


    track.


    She opened her car door, bracing herself for a dash through the rain.


    It wasn’t far, butte autumn rain was sharp and cold, biting through her coat the


    instant she stepped out.


    “Wait up, Ms. Gilmore!”


    A voice called from the entrance, and someone jogged over, umbre in hand.


    It was Ramsey.


    He hurried over to cover Noreen with his umbre. “This rain’s icy–easy way to catch a cold,” he said, falling into step beside her. “Especially fordies. You really shouldn’t get chilled like this.”


    “Thank you, Mr. Caldwell,” Noreen said, genuine gratitude in her voice.


    “Oh, no need for thanks between us. Besides, that doctor you rmended for my wife worked wonders–she’s been feeling much better after just two rounds of treatment. She insisted I thank you in person, and she wants to take you out to dinner–tonight, if you’re free!”


    “Please tell Mrs. Caldwell it was nothing, truly. Just a small favor.”


    They chatted andughed as they made their way inside, the picture of easy camaraderie.


    Bianca and Seth stood waiting by the doors, watching the scene unfold.


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    11:59


    Стартег


    Bianca arched an eyebrow and turned to Seth. “Looks like Ms. Gilmore and Mr. Caldwell have quite a rapport. No wonder he refused to resume negotiations yesterday unless she was present.”


    Her tone dripped with implication–anyone with a bit of office experience could read between the lines.


    Seth’s reaction was cooler than Bianca expected. He simply averted his gaze, handed his umbre to a nearby security guard, and strode inside without a word.


    Bianca, satisfied with his indifference, smiled to herself and followed.


    When Noreen and Ramsey reached the conference room, Bianca was leaning in toward Seth, whispering something with a conspiratorial air. Their bodies nted together almost unconsciously.


    There’s a theory in psychology–when you’re attracted to someone, your body instinctively leans closer.


    Noreen had told herself she was past caring.


    But seeing that, she still felt a sharp twinge, as if a needle had pricked her heart.


    After loving someone for so many years, you can’t just put it all behind you overnight.


    She looked away and chose a seat as far from them as possible.


    The meeting began. Bianca took charge right away, insisting that AeroEdge give up an additional two percent of the deal.


    Ramsey refused. “We already agreed on the split. It wouldn’t be right to change terms at thest minute.”


    Bianca pressed on. “Previously, Ms. Gilmore was handling this project, but she’s just a secretary. Shecks the necessary business expertise, which is why we’re requesting a revision.”


    Ramsey nced at Noreen, as if hoping she’d speak up.


    But Noreen was staring at her phone, lost in whatever was on the screen.


    Bianca let out a barely audible scoff, her disdain for Noreen barely concealed.


    “Mr. Caldwell, I think you should give this some serious thought,” Bianca said, reclining in her chair, every inch the picture of cool confidence. “You know the Aurelion Group has no shortage of promising investments.”


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    11:59


    Ramsey was clearly torn.


    AeroEdge desperately needed a cash injection to keep things running. Their R&D had already swallowed a fortune, and that’s why they were courting investors in the first ce.


    Bianca had zeroed in on their vulnerability, squeezing AeroEdge’s margins at the worst possible moment.


    It was ruthless–ssic business.


    But if AeroEdge epted Bianca’s terms, thepany’s future would be bleak. Most of the profits would go straight into the hands of the investors. How could AeroEdge hope to survive?


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