Noreen hadn’t expected Seth to say something like that–especially right in front of Dn.


    A wave of frustration tightened in her chest.


    There it was again: the rules of Aurelion Group.


    He never let her forget about them.


    Funny, wasn’t it? The only person who ever had to follow the rules seemed to be her.


    The tension in the room grew thick, on the verge of snapping, when suddenly, the chime announcing the end of the workday began to y.


    Without hesitation, Noreen thrust her resignation letter into Seth’s hand. “Work’s over now, isn’t it? I suppose I don’t have to follow Aurelion Group’s rules anymore, do I, Mr. Harcourt?”


    She spun around and headed straight for her desk to collect her things, not bothering to nce back and see Seth’s reaction.


    Seth’s expression soured, his entire demeanor turning icy.


    Dn’s gaze lingered on the resignation letter in Seth’s hand. “Seth, if I recall correctly, Noreen already handed in her resignation ages ago. Why are you still holding onto it?”


    “That’s an internal matter,” Seth replied curtly, tucking away the letter, his face nk and intimidating. “It’s none of your concern.”


    Dn gave a mild shrug, a faint smile ying on his lips. “Of course, I wouldn’t dream of meddling in yourpany’s affairs.”


    “It’s better that way,” Seth said, his voice t.


    Dn’s polite smile remained, but there was no warmth in his eyes. “Just a friendly reminder: if she’s really set on leaving, there’s nothing you can do to stop her.”


    21:24


    The night of the Omniva Group g, Noreen arrived a littlete after getting caught in traffic.


    Dn, the guest of honor, was busy working the room and couldn’te greet her at the door.


    Noreen insisted it wasn’t necessary; she could manage <i>on </i>her own.


    What she didn’t expect was to run into Jude and Bianca right at the


    entrance.


    Jude hade out specifically to meet Bianca–and clearly hadn’t anticipated bumping into Noreen.


    “Why do you turn up everywhere?” he sneered, making no effort to hide his dislike. With no one else around, Jude dropped all pretense.


    “Like a fly, you just show up wherever there’s a whiff of trouble.”


    He’d mocked her often enough in the past, but Noreen had usually let it slide–for Seth’s sake, if nothing else..


    But that was in the past.


    She didn’t care about saving face for Seth anymore, so why should she


    bother with Jude?


    “If I’m a fly, maybe you should ask yourself why you stink,” she shot back.


    Jude was momentarily stunned, caught off guard by her retort. A beatter, his face flushed with anger. “What are you so smug about, Noreen? What right do you have to act superior? Didn’t you say you were quitting? Why are you still clinging to Aurelion Group?”


    “Honestly, who are you trying to fool with that act?”


    “If you’ve got so much time to throw shade at me, maybe go talk some sense into Seth instead–tell him to approve my resignation already. Let’s see who’s really desperate to stay!”


    Dealing with someone as impulsive as Jude didn’t even require her full


    21:24


    effort.


    Jude nearly lost it.


    Just then, Bianca arrived.


    Jude’s demeanor flipped in an instant; he practically tripped over himself


    to hold the door open for her. “Bianca! You’re finally here–I’ve been waiting forever!”


    If he had a tail, he’d be wagging it like a helicopter.


    The very picture of apdog.


    Bianca was immactely dressed as always, greeting Jude with a bright, polished smile. “Sorry, traffic held me up.”


    As she stepped out of the car, she caught sight of Noreen and registered a flicker of surprise.


    Given how friendly Dn and Noreen had seemedtely, she guessed Noreen must be here hoping to tap into Omniva Group’s connections and


    resources.


    Her lips curled into a dismissive smirk as she turned back to Jude, losing


    interest.


    Just then, Noreen’s phone rang–Dn, calling to check if she had arrived. After answering, she headed inside.