Noreen always found the right moment to make ament, skillfully steering the conversation toward Carman.


    It was usually something rted to work–an area where Carman` excelled, so he handled it with ease. The two of them yed off each other so naturally that it gave the room the easygoing air of a well–matched team–almost as if work felt lighter when they were together.


    Someone eventually teased, “Are you two dating or something? You’re so in sync it’s uncanny.”


    This time, Noreenughed and shook her head. “No, we’re just really good partners. That chemistryes from lots of time working together, that’s all.”


    Since Jed had asked the same question earlier, the jokes just kepting.


    “Is it because the boss is around that you won’t admit it?” someone chimed in.


    Carman’s cheeks turned pink. “We’re not a couple. Not yet, anyway.”


    There was something telling about that “yet.”


    Thankfully, the teasing didn’t go any further; everyone knew where to draw


    the line.


    Just then, Seth stood up and said, “You guys carry on–I’ll be back in a bit.” No one minded. Seth was footing the bill for dinner, after all, so if he needed to step out, who couldin?


    After he left, Matthew Cole leaned in and exined, “Mr. Harcourt’s


    girlfriend is having dinner here too. He’s gone over to keep herpany.


    I’ll stand in for him and have a toast with you all.”


    So that’s where he’d gone–to be with nca.


    <b>20.12 </b>


    Even at such an important dinner, he still made time for her. The level of attention he paid her was truly jaw–dropping.


    Noreen, however, didn’t seem surprised. She kept the conversation flowing, chatting enthusiastically about InnoCore and the future of Al.


    Seth was gone for quite a while, only returning at the end of the meal to say goodbye to everyone.


    As Noreen helped Carman to his feet, Seth’s phone rang. His voice softened as he answered, “I’ming now.”


    No one needed to guess who was calling–Bianca, of course.


    Noreen deliberately took her time, steadying Carman as they walked toward the elevator.


    The elevator doors opened just as she pressed the button, and to her annoyance, Seth was already inside.


    Noréen frowned. What were the odds?


    Seth stepped to the side to make room.


    She hesitated for a moment, then guided Carman inside. There was no need to avoid him. Besides, it wasn’t as if he owned the restaurant.


    Unlike most building elevators, this one was narrow and a bit cramped. The three of them stood close together–so close that Noreen could catch the faint scent on Seth: a familiar note of women’s perfume.


    This time, she had nowhere to hide. She could only wrinkle her brow and


    endure it.


    Fortunately, Seth kept his eyes glued to his phone. He didn’t look at her, didn’t say a word. Between them, it was as if they wereplete strangers–just cold indifference,


    The moment the elevator reached the lobby, Seth slipped out without a backward nce, clearly eager to see Bianca–or maybe just anxious not to keep her waiting.


    213


    20:12


    Chapter <b>144 </b>


    Noreen took her time helping Carman out. He could barely walk, mumbling incoherently, “I’ll drink–I’ll drink for her–I’ll toast for her…”


    Noreen couldn’t help but sigh. With a tolerance like his, what was he


    thinking?


    At the restaurant entrance, Lillian and her boyfriend had ns to hit a bar, so they weren’t joining Seth’s group back to the hotel.


    Bianca reminded her to stay safe.


    As Lillian climbed into the car, she leaned out the window and called to Seth, “Sorry for being your third wheel all day! I’ll leave you two to your romantic evening now. Don’t worry about me–Dennis Ward will look after


    me.”


    “Have a great night, you two!” she added with a mischievous grin.


    <b>3/3 </b>