“Impressive already.”


    The more Dn explored the prototype, the more satisfied he became. “Noreen, I’ve decided to invest in your project.”


    Noreen wasn’t surprised–she had full confidence in her product.


    Still, she asked, “How much are you considering, Mr. Wilder?”


    “For the initial phase, around five million dors. We’ll see about further funding once we track its growth.”


    Even with her confidence, Noreen was taken aback by the figure. Five million was more than she’d expected.


    “Thank you for your support, Mr. Wilder.” She stood and shook his hand.


    “Mutual benefit, Noreen. Get the contract drafted and signed as soon as you can, so the funds can be transferred without dy.”


    “Of course.” Noreen didn’t waste time with false modesty–she needed that money to move forward with the pilot program.


    They were in the middle of an animated discussion when Dn’s assistant knocked and announced more visitors.


    Jude had arrived, and he wasn’t alone–Bianca was right beside him.


    Noreen arched an eyebrow, ncing instinctively behind them.


    She half–expected to see Seth. After all, he and Bianca were rarely apart.


    But to her surprise, Seth wasn’t with them.


    <b>“</b>Dn!” Bianca breezed in with a bright smile, but the moment she caught sight of Noreen, her expression stalled for just a second.


    She recovered quickly, feigning nonchnce and ignoring Noreen entirely as she turned her attention to Dn. “Hope we’re not interrupting?”


    “Not at all,” Dn replied.


    20.04


    Jude, on the other hand, was never good at hiding his feelings.


    The moment he saw Noreen, his face twisted in irritation.


    He didn’t hesitate to go on the offensive. “Why is it that everywhere I go, you’re always there?”


    Noreen remained perfectly poised. “Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing.”


    Her voice was gentle, utterly unprovocative, yet her words seemed to needle Jude, like a splinter under the skin. He nearly lost his temper right there. “Noreen, don’t forget the Omniva Group belongs to the Wilders! If I wanted you out of here, it’d take me two minutes!”


    Before Noreen could retort, Dn cut in sharply. “What on earth are you doing?”


    Jude instantly deted. He’d never been able to stand up to Dn–even as kids, he’d always been the underachiever, the family’s ck sheep.


    Now, with Dn firmly in control of the family business, Jude had no choice but to toe the line. He shrank back, scowling at Noreen in silent resentment, convinced she was a schemer–getting close to Dn with an agenda, just like she’d once gotten close to Seth.


    “Noreen is my guest,” Dn said coldly. “Who gave you the right to act like this? Apologize.”


    Apologize to Noreen? That was unthinkable for Jude, who’d never respected her. But Dn’s tone brooked no argument.


    The tension in the room thickened, until Bianca stepped in with her trademark peacemaking tone. “Come on, Dn, Jude didn’t mean anything by it. You know how he is–he loves to joke around. He and Noreen go way back, it’s just some harmless teasing. I’m sure Noreen isn’t one to take a joke the wrong way.”


    Then, with a sweet smile, Bianca turned to Noreen, neatly boxing her in. “Right, Noreen?”


    It was a clever trap. If Noreen made a fuss, she’d look petty. If she


    20 04


    brushed it off, she’d have to swallow her pride.


    But Bianca underestimated her.


    Noreen found a third path–turning Bianca’s own words back on them.


    She smiled serenely at Jude. “Why would I take offense? After all, he’s not a Wilder. Wasn’t he a Harcourt before? Or has he changed hisst name again? I suppose he’s collecting them now–must be aiming for some kind of record.”


    “Hey!” Jude exploded. “Are you calling me a turncoat?”


    Noreen replied in the same breezy tone Bianca had used moments ago, “Just a joke<i>, </i>Mr. Jude. Surely you can take a little teasing too, can’t you?”