Seth’s voice and expression were both full of urgency–it was obvious how much he cared about her.


    But Noreen couldn’t quite understand it. Was it really necessary to get this worked up just because Bianca had stepped away for a few minutes?


    “Say something! Where is she?” Seth’s patience was thinning, his tone growing sharp.


    Noreen frowned, finding his attitude strange. “How would I know where she is? She’s not a toddler. I’m not responsible for keeping an eye on her every second, am I?”


    Jude, standing off to the side, snapped, “Ruby Wilder said you were thest one who knew where she was. Who else are we supposed to ask?”


    Noreen’s brows knit together in irritation.


    She hated their usatory tone, but this was about someone’s safety–there was no time to argue. She answered honestly, “A few minutes ago, Director Lowell was with Mr. Selwyn from Monarch Capital. Maybe he knows where she is.”


    The moment the words left her mouth, Seth’s face turned cial. The chill in his eyes made Noreen shiver.


    “Noreen, you know exactly what kind of man Selwyn is. And you still let him take Bianca off alone?” Seth’s voice was sharp with usation.


    Stunned, Noreen didn’t know how to react. He hadn’t even bothered to ask for details–he was just piling all the me on her?


    Jude, who also knew Selwyn’s reputation, red at Noreen. “If anything happens to Bianca, I won’t forgive you.”


    With that, he hurried off to search for Bianca, panic clear in his stride.


    Seth’s gaze was cold and unwavering. “Noreen, even if you dislike her, that’s no excuse for using such underhanded tactics against her.”


    14:29


    In that instant, it felt as if a wave of saltwater crashed through Noreen’s veins–bitter, stinging, and cold.


    So, this was how Seth saw her? As someone who would stoop to anything?


    Noreen was the event coordinator, more familiar with the venue than anyone. Even though she’d started searchingter than the others, she managed to find Bianca first.


    By then, Bianca had already been led by Mr. Selwyn into one of the private lounges.


    Noreen couldn’tprehend it–why would Bianca be so naive, letting herself be taken off alone by a man like that?


    When Noreen barged in, Mr. Selwyn’s face darkened with annoyance at being interrupted. “Secretary Gilmore, have you forgotten your manners? Do you always just barge in? Is this how yourpany treats its guests?” Bianca looked dazed, cheeks flushed, clearly tipsy and not entirely aware of what was happening. Even so, she tried to defend herpany, “Please don’t be upset, Mr. Selwyn. I’ll take a drink as an apology.”


    Mr. Selwyn slid his arm around Bianca’s waist, pulling her close. “No need to be upset. Not at all.”


    “Hey, Mr. Selwyn, what are you doing…” Bianca’s voice was startled, and she struggled to pull away.


    But she was drunk, her body limp with barely any strength to resist–if anything, her movements only seemed to excite Mr. Selwyn further.


    Bianca was Seth’s most cherished person. If something really happened,


    Seth would lose his mind.


    Noreen quickly dialed Seth’s number, hoping he’d get there in time, all while keeping her voice steady. “Mr. Selwyn, it looks like Director Lowell has had a bit too much to drink. Let me help her get some rest.”


    14.29


    “What’s your problem, Noreen?” Mr. Selwyn snapped, annoyance in in


    his voice.


    “Mr. Selwyn, Director Lowell is a friend of Mr. Harcourt’s.” Noreen didn’t dare say girlfriend–Seth hadn’t made anything official, and it wasn’t her ce to announce it. But she made sure to emphasize the connection, hoping it would give Selwyn pause.


    “I’m friends with Harcourt too. He won’t mind. Now get out!” Selwyn’s patience had run out; his hands were growing bolder by the second.