It was that moment—seeing it with his own eyes–that truly moved.


    Carman.


    Thanks to Noreen’s quick thinking and first aid, Mina was out of danger.


    During Mina’s short stay in the hospital, Noreen stayed by her side the entire time, offering support and gentle guidance.


    It was then that Carman finally realized the problemy in his own approach to parenting.


    Afterwards, Noreen personally took Mina to see a therapist and even


    tutored her after school.


    With Noreen’s help, Mina gradually began to heal. In the end, she was epted into her dream high school.


    Mina grew especially close to Noreen, confiding in her like an older sister she could trust with anything. Naturally, she learned a few things about Noreen’s private life.


    One of those things was that Noreen had a boyfriend–her boss, no less.


    As for Carman’s feelings, Mina saw right through him.


    She teased him often,menting, “You’re toote–she’s spoken for. Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”


    But Carman was a true gentleman. Knowing Noreen already had someone she cared for, he kept his feelings to himself.


    He exercised restraint, never once crossing the line.


    Until just now, when he watched Seth with another woman–and realized Noreen had resigned from Aurelion Group.


    It didn’t take much to piece things together. Carman quickly concluded that Noreen and Seth must have broken up.


    In that instant, hope bloomed in his chest.


    20:22 3


    He couldn’t wait to share the news with Mina.


    Mina was sprawled on her dorm bunk, binge–watching a show when Carman called. The moment she heard, she shot upright and smacked her head on the ceiling, howling in pain.


    But she didn’t care about her head. She was too busy shouting into the phone, urging Carman on.


    “What are you waiting for?”


    “Go get her!”


    “I want Noreen as my sister–inw!”


    Determined not to let down Carman’s trust, Noreen spent three sleepless nights crafting a wless business proposal.


    With her n in hand, she eagerly began reaching out to the investors she’d met in the past.


    She’d already steeled herself for rejection. After all, she had no resources, nowork, and no powerful backers anymore.


    She knew there was no guarantee anyone would give her the time of day.


    But reality proved even harsher than she’d imagined.


    Dozens of calls led nowhere.


    Still, Noreen refused to give up. She switched tactics–visiting potential investors in person, proposal in tow, pitching her vision door to door.


    After several days, exhaustion set in. Her mind was numb, her legs felt like lead, and she’d drunk so much lukewarm office coffee she felt sick.


    She kept telling herself it was normal for things to be tough at the start. Starting a business was never easy.


    Stay calm. Try again.


    After grabbing a quick bite on the street to keep herself going, she


    ???


    20:22


    Chapter TUD


    headed off to her next meeting–with Joyner, the CEO of Evergain Capital.


    Joyner was polite, unlike some others who had stopped answering her calls the moment they heard she’d left Aurelion Group.


    He read through her proposal carefully. Noreen could tell he was interested, but he looked hesitant.


    “Is there something about the n that concerns you?” she asked, keeping her tone gentle.


    Joyner shook his head. “The proposal is excellent.”


    “So what’s holding you back?” Noreen pressed quietly.


    Joyner leaned back. “Are you aware that Director Lowell from Aurelion Group recentlyunched an Al initiative?”


    Noreen answered honestly. “I didn’t know.”


    Joyner nodded. “Mr. Harcourt brought Director Lowell to one of our


    investor dinners not long ago. She pitched the idea there, and it made quite an impression.”


    Noreen knew Seth doted on Bianca.


    But she hadn’t expected this–he’d personally taken her to meet investors, letting her present her own project at the table:


    20:22