“By the way, Secretary Gilmore is a real asset–you’d better keep an eye on her. There are plenty of people out there who’d love to poach her. Mr. Quigley’s been after her for ages,” Healy reminded him, half–joking, half–serious.


    Seth’s reply was cool and unyielding. “She won’t leave for anyone else.”


    Healy realized his concerns were probably unfounded.


    After all, everyone had seen how Noreen had treated Seth over the years. For seven years, she’d devoted herself to him, her world orbiting around him with hardly any room for anything personal. How could someone like that just walk away at the drop of a hat?


    Behind closed doors, people would joke that Noreen was Seth’s most loyal follower–the sort that wouldn’t leave even if you tried to push her out.


    It was no wonder Seth was so certain she’d never leave.


    “Oh, right–Dn’s back in Rivercrest. How about we get together tonight?”


    Seth paused mid–signature, then asked, “What time?”


    “Eight o’clock, same ce as always.”


    “Alright,” Seth agreed.


    The “same ce” Healy mentioned was the Hesper Lounge.


    Noreen was there that evening, too.


    But she wasn’t there for Seth. Johnson had asked her to meet him.


    ording to Johnson, Mr. Quigley from Qunda Group was meeting an important client there, so <i>to </i>save time, he’d arranged to have their discussion at the same


    location.


    When they arrived, the important client was still in the lounge.


    Mr. Quigley waved them right in.


    As soon as Noreen walked in, she recognized Mr. Quigley’s guest–a powerhouse of a woman named Jennifer Shaw, whom she’d met briefly at the Venture Capital


    Summit.


    12:00


    Jennifer recognized her, too, and called out in surprise, “Secretary Gilmore? It’s been ages!”


    “Hello, Ms. Shaw.” Noreen greeted her politely.


    Mr. Quigley nced between them, intrigued. “You two know each other?”


    Jenniferughed and exined, “We met atst year’s Venture Capital Summit in Stanton City. Secretary Gilmore really helped me out–I never got a chance to thank


    her!”


    “You’re too kind, Ms. Shaw. It was nothing, really.”


    Noreen wasn’t just being modest; it truly had been a minor favor.


    Right before Jennifer was due to ept her award onstage, she’d been hit with awful cramps. Dressed in an evening gown, unable to reach her phone, she couldn’t even get hold of her assistant or ask for anything she needed.


    With her stage time fast approaching, Jennifer was on the verge of panic.


    Noreen happened to walk in, and–having a habit of always carrying essentials in her purse–was able to help Jennifer with some painkillers and other necessities.


    It was a small thing to Noreen, but Jennifer had never forgotten it. That summit had been a turning point in her career–one of the most important moments of her life.


    “No, you truly saved me!” Jennifer said warmly, pulling Noreen down to sit beside


    her.


    Mr. Quigley watched this with obvious satisfaction. After all, Jennifer had


    connections everywhere. If Noreen’s rtionship with her grew closer, he stood to benefit.


    The conversation flowed easily, and after a while, Jennifer learned that Mr. Quigley was hoping to recruit Noreen to hispany.


    She turned to Noreen. “Are you thinking of making a move?”


    Noreen nodded. “I am, actually. I feel it’s time for a change.”


    “Have you considereding to Stanton City?” Jennifer offered. “Come work with


    me.”


    Noreen knew Jennifer’spany was impressive, but Stanton City was much too far.


    She had to decline, though she did so as graciously as possible.


    12:00


    Jennifer was disappointed but didn’t press. “Qunda Group is a great choice, too. Mr. Quigley knows talent when he sees it.”


    The whole exchange was pleasant, and Jennifer ended up lingering a little longer than she’d nned.