She would never forget the weather that day–it was just like today.


    Gray clouds nketed the sky, and a chill wind drove icy rain straight through her coat, seeping all the way into her bones.


    But what stayed with her most was the image of a ck umbre held steady above her head.


    That was the first time she met Seth.


    Back then, Seth was like a ray of light that pierced the darkness of Noreen’s world, a world that had felt hopeless and shuttered for as long


    as she could remember.


    For the next seven years, she never stopped chasing that light.


    She followed it, wholeheartedly, never once looking back.


    But the same light that once illuminated her path was the very thing that wouldter cast her into the abyss.


    The following days passed in much the same way as before–Noreen clocked out right on time every evening. Before leaving, she’d print out her letter of resignation, neatly ce it on Seth’s desk, and walk away.


    Maybe one of these days, Seth would be in a good mood and finally sign <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    Wishful thinking, perhaps, but it was all she could do.


    Seth was rarely at the office those days, which meant Noreen finally had a bit of peace.


    Bianca was gone, too!


    Sophia, ever the office gossip, pulled Noreen aside to share thetest: not only had Bianca skipped work all week, she hadn’t even bothered to clock in or out.


    21.24


    “Shees and goes as she pleases,” Sophia whispered, rolling her eyes. “Honestly, she acts like she already owns the ce.”


    Noreen couldn’t help but ask, “Does Mr. Harcourt know about this?”


    “Of course he does, but he hasn’t said a word.” Sophia pursed her lips, clearly annoyed.


    Noreen wasn’t surprised.


    With Seth, everyone else was expected to y by his rules–except Bianca. She was the exception, and that was exactly how Seth wanted it.


    But Noreen wasn’t interested in office politics; her thoughts were elsewhere. “So, you’re saying Mr. Harcourt’s actually beening in this week?”


    Sophia nodded. “Yeah, but almost always after you’ve left.”


    It was odd, but Noreen didn’t dwell on it. Seth was the head of Aurelion Group–he coulde and go as he pleased. Still, if he’d been in, he’d definitely seen her resignation letters.


    On Thursday, Dn invited Noreen to dinner so they could talk through any issues that mighte up at the uingpany g. They wanted <i>to </i>make sure their stories were straight and avoid any unnecessary drama.


    As usual, Noreen nned to leave work right on time.


    She didn’t expect to run into Seth just as she was about to drop her resignation letter off in his office.


    The two nearly collided outside his door.


    Noreen greeted him calmly, her tone polite but distant. “Mr. Harcourt.”


    Seth’s dark eyes lingered on her for a moment before dropping to the resignation letter in her hand–her intent was in as day.


    He gave a soft, dismissiveugh and strode into his office without another word.


    21.34


    Noreen was about to follow when Dn appeared.


    “Seth,” Dn called out first.


    Seth froze, his gaze turning icy. “What are you doing here?”


    Dn smiled, undeterred. “I’m here for Noreen. We’re grabbing


    dinner–we made ns, and I happened to be nearby, <i>so </i>I thought I’d pick her up.”


    Noreen hadn’t expected Dn toe upstairs, let alone bump into Seth like this. In the past, she would have rushed to exin herself–back


    when her rtionship with Seth was different.


    But now, there was no need.


    She hadn’t even gotten a word out before Seth cut in, his voice cold and low. “Secretary Gilmore, have you forgotten thepany’s code of conduct? Using work hours to flirt with your boyfriend?”


    <b>3/3 </b>