Ruby Wilder realized how serious things were and didn’t dare to waste any time. “I think it’d be better to ask Director Lowell for help.”


    “Then go, hurry!”


    Back during thepany retreat, Ruby had gone out of her way to cozy up to Bianca. They had a bit of a rapport because of it.


    So when Ruby found Bianca, Bianca agreed without hesitation.


    “I was just heading to see Seth anyway. I’ll take care of this file for you!”


    “Thank you so much, Director Lowell!” Ruby’s gratitude was almost overwhelming.


    “We’re colleagues, aren’t we? No need to be so formal. Who knows, maybe I’ll need your help someday too.”


    Ruby nodded eagerly. “Just say the word.”


    Bianca’s smile widened.


    Winning people over was something she’d always been good at.


    Ever since she started at Aurelion Group, Bianca had made a point of rejecting every project Noreen had previously managed, just to undercut her predecessor’s achievements.


    Now, with no decent projects on her own te, she had to look for other ways to make her mark.


    Ruby didn’t realize it, but by turning to Bianca, she was practically handing herself over on a silver tter.


    When Bianca went to find Seth, he’d just wrapped up a video conference and wore a hard, unreadable expression.


    She didn’t bother knocking–just pushed the door open, ready to speak.


    Before she could, Seth said, “Noreen, make me a cup of coffee.”


    Bianca paused, swallowed her words, and silently slipped out to make


    coffee for him.


    When she returned, Seth was still deep in work.


    She quietly set the mug on his desk.


    He took a sip, then frowned. “What happened to your coffee–making skills?”


    It wasn’t until he looked up that he realized it wasn’t Noreen, but Bianca.


    “Is it that bad?” Bianca asked, sounding a little hurt.


    Seth was silent for a moment. “No, it’s fine.”


    Despite his words, he didn’t touch the coffee again. Instead, he asked what Bianca needed.


    “This is an urgent file from Division Two. They need you to handle it.”


    “Why are you bringing it? Where’s Noreen?” Seth’s frown deepened, his tone impatient.


    “I think she’s already left for the day.”


    Seth’s hand stilled on the paperwork.


    Leaving right on time again?


    The answer made something in his chest twist with annoyance.


    Since that disastrous night, he and Noreen hadn’t exchanged a single real conversation.


    Seth had assumed that, as always, if he just gave her the cold shoulder, she’d realize her mistake ande to him, apologizing and begging for reconciliation.


    But two days had gone by, and she hadn’te looking for him. Every day, she left the office early and seemed to vanish without a trace afterward–he couldn’t reach her at all.


    Seth knew this Noreen was different from before, but he still thought she


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    was just being childish, acting out to get his attention by slipping out from under his control.


    As Seth reviewed the documents, Bianca, bored with waiting, started idly. flipping through the stack of files on his desk.


    She didn’t expect to spot Noreen’s resignation letter among them.


    Startled, Bianca pulled it out and asked, “Seth, is Secretary Gilmore really resigning?”


    Seth didn’t even look up, just grunted an affirmative.


    “Did you ept her resignation?” Bianca pressed, more curious <i>now</i>.


    “No.”


    “Why not? She’s just a secretary. You can easily find a recement.”


    Seth didn’t even raise his eyes. “She’s different.”


    Bianca’s grip on the resignation letter tightened ever so slightly.


    Different. That was a dangerous word.