Jude was still fuming, though he kept his anger in check thanks to the warning look Dn shot him from across the room. All he could do was re at Noreen, shooting her several venomous looks when he thought no one was watching.


    People are strange like that–he was only getting a taste of his own medicine, yet it was enough to rile him up.


    Sensing the tension, Bianca deliberately changed the subject. “Dn, that little orange tree on your desk is a charming touch. It really softens the cold, businesslike vibe in here, adds a bit of warmth and life.”


    “And besides,” she added, “citrus always symbolizes good fortune.”


    Jude, ever the sycophant, jumped at the chance to agree. “Absolutely! I noticed it the moment I walked in. It’s so elegant.”


    Dn looked genuinely pleased. “Right? Nice, isn’t it?”


    Only after both Bianca and Jude nodded did he continue, taking his time. “Noreen brought it in, actually. I thought it was unique, so I kept it here.”


    The room fell quiet for nearly half a minute.


    Bianca didn’t spare the nt another nce. She dove straight into business. “Dn, I actually wanted to ask you about the new funding


    round.”


    Dn replied, “You should just have the project manager talk directly to the bank rep. No need for <i>you </i>to make a special trip.”


    She smiled, a little too casually. “I just thought it’s been a while since we caught up. Maybe we could grab a bite together.”


    She paused, her gaze flickering over Noreen–subtle, but pointed. “Seth will join uster, by the way.”


    “He was supposed toe with me, but something came upst minute. He said he’d pick me up after he’s done.”


    20:04


    Noreen flipped a page in her business magazine, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.


    Bianca was convinced Noreen was just putting on a calm front.


    In reality, Noreen was perfectlyposed. Of course she’d caught Bianca’s meaning, but it only confirmed what she’d suspected: Bianca and Seth were still as inseparable as ever. Clingy, really.


    Dn checked his watch–it was lunchtime. He turned <i>to </i>Noreen. “Noreen, want to grab lunch with us?”


    She closed her magazine. “Another time. I’ve got ns today, and it’s gettingte, so I’ll head out.”


    No way was she about to let them ruin her appetite.


    Dn didn’t press. “I’ll walk you out.”


    “No need. You should get back to work,” Noreen declined politely.


    “Alright. Let’s get together another time.”


    The moment Noreen left, Jude couldn’t hold back. “Dn, I really think you should keep your distance from Noreen. That woman isn’t as simple as she looks.”


    Dn didn’t seem to hear a word, busy spritzing the orange tree with a spray bottle.


    Jude grew more agitated. “Dn! I’m talking to you! Be careful around her–she’s trouble! You know, she actually went out drinking with investors just to get funding for herme project. She’s obviously trying to use connections to climb thedder. It’s pathetic!”


    He hadn’t finished ranting when Dn aimed the spray bottle at him and gave him two quick squirts right in the mouth.


    “Ugh–pfft–Dn, what the hell!” Jude sputtered, spitting water onto the


    floor.


    “Just cleaning you up a bit,” Dn replied tly.


    20:04


    “Alright, knock it off,” Bianca interjected, cutting through their bickering. “Dn, I heard Omniva Group and Eastvale Corporation are interested in coborating on a tech project. Any inside scoop you can share?”


    That, in fact, was Bianca’s real reason foring to Omniva Group.


    Dn paused mid–spray, his eyes turning icy as he nced at Jude.


    Feeling guilty, Jude quickly looked away.


    “Don’t put much stock in rumors,” Dn said, his tone suddenly breezy. “People love chasing shadows.”