Noreen hadn’t known Dn wasing. He hadn’t mentioned it, at least not to her.


    But the more she thought about it, the less surprising it seemed.


    Rivercrest was a small city–everyone in the same social circles, and Seth. and Dn had grown up together. Their families had always been close.


    Now that Dn was back in the country and getting established, it made sense that he’d show up at gatherings like this.


    Bianca spotted Dn too, her face lighting up as she waved him over. “Dn, finally! We’ve been waiting for you forever.”


    “Traffic was a nightmare,” Dn said, offering a rueful smile.


    Bianca reached over to adjust his tie, smoothing it with practiced ease. “You’re wearing the one I gave you, aren’t you? It looks great on you.”


    The gesture was intimate, but not inappropriate–a perfect bnce, just enough to hint at closeness without crossing any lines.


    It was then that Noreen remembered the gossip she’d overheard outside the Hesper Lounge.


    Seth had once joked that the craziest thing he’d ever done for love was to be the “other man.” That offhandment had led Jude to guess that the woman Seth was pining for was Bianca.


    Jude had also let slip that Bianca had chased after Dn when he moved overseas.


    Which meant… Seth and Dn were rivals in love.


    Noreen was still trying to untangle this web when Dn suddenly approached her. “You don’t look so good. Did you not sleep well?”


    His unexpected concern caught her off guard. She shook her head, a little awkwardly. “No, I’m fine.”


    “Have you been drinking?” Dn asked, catching the faint scent of


    alcohol on her. His brows drew together in gentle disapproval. “You know you shouldn’t with your stomach.”


    “Couldn’t get out of it,” Noreen replied, sounding resigned.


    Before Dn could say anything else, someone approached Noreen with a drink in hand, ready to toast. It was a partner from Aurelion Group–someone she couldn’t afford to offend.


    Just as she epted the ss, Dn took it from her and raised it instead. “Mind if I take this one for her?” he said, clinking sses with the man.


    The other man seemed starstruck, clearly recognizing Dn. “Of course, of course! Mr. Wilder, it’s a pleasure–I’m Scales, from Unity Holdings.”


    In her seven years in business, Noreen had never had anyone step in to


    drink on her behalf before.


    It felt strange–unfamiliar, almost vulnerable.


    She found herself staring at Dn, lost in thought, until she realized and quickly looked away.


    Her eyesnded on Seth–and in that instant, their gazes locked.


    His look was dark, almost chilling, like staring into deep water. She frowned, trying to read him, but he broke eye contact and nced at Dn instead.


    This time, his expression was even more intense.


    Noreen caught a sh of jealousy there, lingering for several seconds.


    She was surprised. In all the years she’d known Seth, she’d never seen that look on him before. He was always so calm, so hard to read.


    So, he was jealous–because he cared about Bianca, and Dn was the threat. Even Seth’sposure could crack when it came to love.


    Love, she thought, really does make people lose their heads.


    14.28


    Chapter <b>79 </b>


    Meanwhile, Dn’s gesture hadn’t gone unnoticed by the others–Bianca, Seth, and Jude had all seen him step in for Noreen.


    Bianca looked genuinely surprised. She’d already felt uneasy after repeatedly running into Dn and Noreen together. Now, seeing him so openly protect Noreen made her eyes narrow with suspicion.


    Jude, never one to keep his thoughts to himself, muttered, “Since when does Dn drink for Noreen? Are they really that close?”


    He’d meant to ask Seth, but someone else pulled Seth into a conversation, so he swallowed the question.


    Noticing Bianca’s sour expression, Jude hurried to add, “Don’t let it get to you, Bianca. Honestly, I think Dn’s just putting on a show–it all looks a bit forced, don’t you think?”