She’d said she wanted to meet up and talk about InnoCore.


    Originally, they’d agreed to meet somewhere near the hotel where they were both staying, but the next day, the location was changed at thest


    minute.


    Noreen had done a bit of homework on Carman’s mentor.


    He was something of a legend in the industry–a technical heavyweight who’d trained plenty of students, though precious few had ever truly earned his respect.


    Carman was one of the rare exceptions.


    ording to Carman, his mentor was notoriously aloof and serious. Back at university, he had a reputation for being a tough taskmaster. If a student’s work managed to impress him, he wouldn’t even bother to give it a second nce.


    Every graduation season, thement he’d write most often on student


    reports was:


    “Don’t go around telling people I was your advisor.”


    “So graduating is basically the same as being cast out?” Noreen remarked with a wry smile. “In that sense, he sounds a lot like my own professor.”


    It was a rare moment for her to mention her own past, which piqued Carman’s curiosity. “What did your professor teach?”


    “Finance. But I got kicked out of the nest too,” she replied lightly.


    This time, Carman didn’t pry further. Instead, he said, “The most dedicated mentors are usually the strictest. Like mine–even though he’s <b>a </b>distinguished guest at this conference, he wouldn’t pull any strings or hand out invitations to his students.”


    “In his words, ‘There are no free lunches. If you want something, <b>you </b>earn


    <b>20:12 </b>


    it yourself. That’s why I never dared to ask him for an invitation.”


    He sounded a bit guilty as he said this.


    After all, he knew just how much effort Noreen had put in to secure those two coveted invitations for them.


    But Noreen always had a more optimistic outlook–she saw things differently.


    “Your mentor called you in early. Clearly, he thinks our InnoCore project is up to his standards.”


    Carman agreed.


    Noreen’s spirits soared. “I’ve got a feeling we’re going toe away from


    this summit with a lot to show for it!”


    Half an hourter, the car pulled up outside the meeting spot—a high–end


    restaurant.


    Carman was surprised. His mentor was famously frugal; why would he choose such an upscale ce for a meal?


    Had there been some mistake?


    He hesitated, then decided to call and double–check with his mentor.


    While Noreen waited patiently beside him, a sleek ck business car pulled up in front of the restaurant.


    Probably dropping off some VIPS, she thought, and stepped aside so she wouldn’t block the way..


    What she didn’t expect was to see Seth step out of the car.


    He noticed Noreen too, but his gaze didn’t linger. Turning, he helped Bianca out of the backseat.


    Noreen calmly looked away.


    Trailing behind them was Lillian, who bounced out of the car, talking a


    mile a minute. “I checked online–this is the most exclusive restaurant in


    <i>2/3 </i>


    20:12 #


    Harborcrest City! It’s exactly how the reviews describe it: ssy, elegant, and totally top–tier!”


    “Thank you, Seth, for making my wishe true!”


    It was obvious she was addressing Seth, and he didn’t object–just epted the title with an easy, practiced smile. Clearly, this wasn’t the first time she’d called him that.


    “If you’re happy, that’s all that matters,” he replied.


    Bianca nced over and finally noticed Noreen, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.


    Just then, Carman finished his call and turned to Noreen. “This is the


    ce. We’ve got the right address. Let’s go in.”


    “Alright.”


    Noreen didn’t spare another nce at Seth, Bianca, or Lillian. She walked into the restaurant with Carman, leaving the others behind.


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