Until someone came looking for her.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>28 </b>


    He was a young, handsome man–one of those fresh–faced types who looked like he’d just graduated college.


    And clingy, too. The minute he walked in, he swept Jennifer into a French kiss that left everyone else in the room shifting awkwardly in their seats.


    Jennifer,ughing and yfully shoving her boyfriend away, finally managed to get free. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with barely contained amusement. “This is my boyfriend,” she said, a little breathless. “He’s young and full of energy–l can barely keep up. Sorry for the scene.”


    Mr. Quigley and Johnson exchanged a look, eyebrows raised.


    No wonder–they couldn’t help but notice the age gap between Jennifer and her boyfriend. At least twenty years separated them.


    Her young beau was eager, tugging at Jennifer’s hand, urging her to go. She didn’t linger long, rising to say her goodbyes.


    Noreen, ever polite, walked her to the door.


    On the way, Jennifer looped her arm through Noreen’s and leaned in conspiratorially. Her boyfriend, catching the hint, ducked into the car to wait.


    “You’re probably wondering why I’m dating someone so much younger, aren’t you?” Jennifer asked, not the least bit embarrassed.


    Noreen gave a sheepish nod. “A little, yeah.”


    Jennifer waved it off. “Oh, men. Let me give you a little advice from someone who’s been around. If a man’s got money, use his money. If he’s got connections, use his connections. If he’s strong, use his strength. Don’t get hung up on love and all that nonsense—it’s pointless.”


    She blew a kiss toward her boyfriend sitting in the car. “Of course, I was a fool for love when I was young, too. You can see how well that worked out for me.”


    “Just remember the rule of the world: every rtionship has an answer. If you don’t want it anymore, you walk away. Problem solved.”


    As Noreen returned to the lounge, she ran into a familiar face by the garden atrium.


    12.00


    Her steps faltered.


    He was sitting on a bench, cigarette between his fingers, arm drapedzily over the backrest, watching the smoke curl up into the air.


    Dn Wilder.


    It had been so long since she’d seen him that for a moment, Noreen felt disoriented, almost like she was dreaming.


    That split second of hesitation was enough for Dn to notice her.


    Hiszy gaze sharpened, turning sly when he caught her eye.


    He mouthed a word at her-“Little apprentice.”


    Noreen dropped her gaze and attempted to slip away.


    But Dn wasn’t about to let her escape. He stubbed out his cigarette, stood, and caught up in just a few long strides.


    “Not even going to say hello to your old mentor? What would our teacher say if she knew how rude you’d be?” His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it.


    Noreen forced herself to reply. “She doesn’t even im me as her student anymore.” “Oh? So now you y turtle, pretending you don’t see me?”


    “It’s not that. I just don’t know what to say.”


    Dn reached out and tapped her on the head–just hard enough to make his point. “Just like the old master said–heartless little brat.”


    Seth and Bianca had just arrived at the Hesper Lounge when they walked in on this


    scene.


    “Wait, Dn knows Secretary Gilmore?” Bianca whispered, surprised, ncing at Seth.


    He didn’t answer, but something dark flickered in his eyes as he watched the two.


    Bianca took the initiative, walking over to Dn. “Hey, Dn. When did you get here?”


    “Just now,” Dn drawled, slipping back into hiszy tone.


    Noreen took the opportunity to slip away.


    Dn let out a low chuckle.


    13.00


    Bianca nced between them. “So, you two know each other?”