<b>Chapter </b><b>139 </b>
Noreen ended up visiting Wade after all.
But it wasn’t because of Seth.
Setting Seth aside, Wade had always treated her well enough.
In fact, apart from Rosalind, he was the only elder who ever sent her a holiday gift at New Year’s.
So, both out of gratitude and propriety, she figured she owed him a visit.
After dropping Rosalind off at home, Noreen made her way to Wade’s ce, taking a small detour to pick up his favorite pastries.
Wade’s usually fròsty demeanor thawed a little when he saw her.
He ate two pieces before finally asking how she’d beentely.
Noreen told him she’d left Aurelion Group and started working on independent projects.
So far, things were moving forward pretty well.
Wade didn’t ask why she’d left her old job, nor did he mention anything
about her and Seth.
He focused entirely on her new project, wanting to know the details.
Noreen answered honestly, leaving nothing out.
He listened, gave her a nod of approval, and offered several constructive suggestions.
After all, before his ident, Wade had been a legend in the business world.
Back in his prime, he’d led Harcourt Group to meteoric sess in just five
years.
From real estate to tech, every investment hit the crest of the wave.
<b>09:15 </b>
At its height, Harcourt Group’s valuation soared to eighty billion dors.
But not long after, disaster struck the Harcourt family.
Mrs. Harcourt, the group’s CFO, was arrested abroad during a business trip–charged with “bank fraud” by the local authorities.
Wade spent everything he had to try and save her.
But all he got in the end was her ashes.
After that, Wade was never the same. Harcourt Group began its decline.
It wasn’t long before Wade was in a car ident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
He stepped down from dozens of executive roles after his release from the hospital, retiring from business for good and withdrawing from the world.
Still, the impact and achievements from his heyday were undeniable.
When a giant falls, the world shifts.
Harcourt Group’s legacy continued to shape the businessndscape for
years.
Getting advice from Wade was a privilege most people could only drea of.
After going over Noreen’s strategic n, Wade asked about her project’s funding.
She didn’t hide anything, giving him a straightforward summary of her
current status.
Wade paused for a moment, deep in thought, before speaking. “After you’re back from the summit,e see me. I’ll introduce you to some friends.”
Noreen’s heart skipped a beat.
Wade’s friends… Every single one of them was a titan in the business
09-15
world.
When Seth had started his ownpany, Wade hadn’t even lifted a finger
to help.
So after a moment’s hesitation, Noreen decided to be honest. “Mr. Harcourt, Seth and I have broken up.”
What she meant was: I’m an outsider now.
He had no reason to help her.
Wade snorted. “Good. A man like him deserves to grow old alone.”
Noreen was speechless.
A real father, through and through.
As she was leaving, Evelyn insisted on walking her out, mumbling questions about her and Seth.
“Evelyn, we really did break up. He’s got someone else he likes now,” Noreen said, exhausted by the exnation.
Evelyn was adamant. “No way! <i>Seth </i>would never fall for anyone else! He-<b>” </b>
“If <i>you </i>don’t believe me, ask him yourself.”
Not wanting to drag it out, Noreen made her excuses and hurried off.
ca
Just as she reached the hospital entrance, she spotted Seth and <i>walking </i>in together, deep in conversation, oblivious to Noreen across the lobby.
But she did notice the bandages wrapped around Seth’s right hand.
<i>Looked </i>likest night’s injury was more serious than she’d thought.
world.
When Seth had started his ownpany, Wade hadn’t even lifted a finger to help.
So after a moment’s hesitation, Noreen decided to be honest. “Mr. Harcourt, Seth and I have broken up.”
What she meant was: I’m an outsider now.
He had no reason to help her.
Wade snorted. “Good. A man like him deserves to grow old alone.”
Noreen was speechless.
A real father, through and through.
As she was leaving, Evelyn insisted on walking her out, mumbling questions about her and Seth.
“Evelyn, we really did break up. He’s got someone else he likes now,” Noreen said, exhausted by the exnation.
Evelyn was adamant. “No way! Seth would never fall for anyone else!
He-”
“If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself.”
Not wanting to drag it out, Noreen made her excuses and hurried off.
Just as she reached the hospital entrance, she spotted Seth and Beca walking in together, deep in conversation, oblivious to Noreen across the lobby.
But she did notice the bandages wrapped around Seth’s right hand.
Looked likest night’s injury was more serious than she’d thought.