Looking back now, it was clear–her mother’s instincts were sharper <b>than </b>hers. Wisdom only came with age, she supposed.


    “Alright, alright, I get it!” Bianca replied, in unusually high spirits.


    Rosalind’s surgery was scheduled for Friday.


    Noreen arrived at the hospital early that morning. For the past couple of days, she’d been showing up at the office every day, handling her work as quickly as possible before heading to the hospital under the pretense of preparing for the uingpany party. She’d always been the one in charge of those celebrations, so organizing everything was second nature–there was no need to oversee every detail.


    That meant she could spend most of her time at the hospital, keeping Rosalindpany.


    Rosalind, of course, worried that Noreen was neglecting her job to take care of her. Noreen simply told her that Seth had given her the time off. Rosalind liked hearing that–she even praised Seth for being such a thoughtful man.


    Noreen just scoffed inwardly. Seth was thoughtful, all right—just not to her. His kindness was reserved for Bianca, and no one else.


    Nearly every day, Rosalind would ask about Seth, and every time, Noreen brushed her off with the same excuse: he was busy with work and woulde when he could.


    While they were preparing for surgery, Rosalind asked again. Noreen stuck to her story. “He’s busy, Mom. He’lle when he has a free moment.”


    This time, Rosalind looked genuinely disappointed. “I just worry I might not make it out…”


    “Mom!” Noreen cut her off, voice firm. “You’re going to be fine. <b>Don’t </b><b>even </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>54 </b>


    think like that!”


    Rosalind managed a weak smile. “Alright.”


    Dn arrived shortly after, carrying a bag of healthy snacks for <b>Rosalind</b>. She didn’t recognize him, so Noreen introduced him as a friend. Rosalind didn’t press for details.


    Dn stayed and helped Noreen escort Rosalind to the operating room. When the doors swung shut, Noreen thanked him quietly.


    He brushed off her gratitude with a mock frown. “Since when are we so formal with each other?”


    “You know that’s not what I meant,” Noreen said, a little exasperated.


    He grinned. “Just teasing. No need to be so serious.”


    Dn was the same as ever–still with that annoying habit of ruffling her hair. When they were younger, Noreen always protested, “If you keep doing that, I’ll never grow tall!”


    Dn would justugh and say, “If you stay short, I’ll just have to take care of you forever.”


    It was just a childhood joke, something he tossed out without thinking, and something she’d never taken to heart.


    The waiting was long and agonizing, but having someone there made it a little easier.


    By coincidence, Yvonne also had surgery scheduled for that day, just a bitter than Rosalind.


    On Bianca’s side, it was Seth who stayed by her. Forrest had work obligations and wouldn’t arrive untilter.


    “Seth, I’m so d you’re here,” Bianca murmured, her eyes still red. “You have no idea–my hands were shaking when I had to sign the paperwork.” Seth gently rubbed her back, trying tofort her. “Don’t worry. The best medical team in the world is operating today–your mom’s in good


    Chapter


    hands.”


    Bianca sniffled and nodded, tears glistening as she blinked them <b>away</b><b>, </b>looking heartbreakingly vulnerable.


    Just then, Noreen returned with coffee. The first thing she saw was this intimate little scene: Bianca, head bowed and eyes rimmed with red, confiding in Seth; Seth, his hand tenderly on her back, his voice soft and reassuring.


    It was a picture–perfect moment–if only they weren’t blocking the hallway.


    “Excuse me, could you move?” Noreen cut in, her tone t and abrupt, shattering the cozy mood.


    Bianca quickly turned away, wiping at tears that hadn’t quite fallen. When she saw who it was, her eyes widened in surprise.


    “Secretary Gilmore?”


    Seth looked up too, and when he realized it was Noreen, his expression cooled, the warmth from before disappearing. “What are you doing


    here?” he asked, irritation edging into his voice.


    Noreen almost shot back, “Is this your hospital now?” But then she remembered–Seth had actually invested in this hospital.