Rivercrest City was famous for its river views and the rolling hills that framed the skyline.


    Right now, the best view of the river in the city stretched beyond Noreen’s office window.


    She could hardly believe her luck–she’d managed to find an office that matched all her requirements, in record time, and at a price that didn’t break the bank.


    There was only one slight catch…


    Aurelion Tower stood just across the river.


    But even that didn’t dampen Noreen’s mood. If anything, it became a motivation to keep pushing


    forward.


    The first thing she did was call Carman to share the good news.


    Carman agreed–it was definitely something worth celebrating.


    So, Noreen decided to treat the whole studio to dinner that evening, and she <i>told </i>Carman to invite Mina along too, since Mina happened to be off work for a couple of days.


    While she and Carman debated which restaurant to book, Noreen waited for the elevator.


    “I’m good with anything,” she said, phone pressed to her ear. “Let them pick what they want–I don’t need you to save money on my ount.”


    The elevator doors slid open. Absorbed in her call, Noreen barely nced at the people inside.


    Once she’d stepped in, she finally heard a voice: “Director Lowell, I didn’t expect you toe by and check out our offices in person. I’m Ethan Laurent. If it’s all right, maybe we could swap contacts? If you need anything, just let me know. I’d be happy to bring any files you need straight to Aurelion Group–no need for you to make the trip.”


    Catching her reflection in the mirrored wall, Noreen finally realized who else was in the elevator.


    Bianca.


    No Seth this time–just Bianca and Ethan.


    She recognized Ethan, too–one of the partners at TechVenture. Back when she was still at Aurelion Group, she’d selected him as a project lead, though most of hermunication had been with the other partner at TechVenture.


    Still, something didn’t add up. Wasn’t this game project already nixed by Bianca? If she remembered correctly, it had been rejected, right along with InnoCore’s proposal.


    As Bianca spoke with Ethan, she caught Noreen’s eye and her expression cooled a little.


    Noreen looked away, continuing her conversation with Carman. “What about Japanese? Mina mentionedst time that she was craving sushi.”


    Carman hesitated–Japanese food was a bit pricey, and she’d always been inclined to save Noreen


    money.


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    But Noreen had made up her mind. “Let’s do Japanese! Sakura Tempest has great reviews. Let’s eat


    there.”


    Carman relented. “All right, Sakura Tempest it is. But you’re all the way across town–don’t bothering back to the studio just to meet us. We’ll head straight there after work and see you at Sakura Tempest.”


    “Perfect.”


    Noreen hung up just as the elevator reached the ground floor.


    She walked outside, only to discover it was raining.


    A new cold front had swept into Rivercrest City, sending temperatures plummeting to their lowest point of the year. Even wrapped in her cashmere coat, Noreen shivered.


    In her rush that morning, she hadn’t checked the weather, and she certainly hadn’t brought an umbre.


    Now, the sudden downpour had her stranded under the building’s awning.


    She pulled her coat tighter and decided to wait for the rain to let up before making a move.


    Bianca and Ethan exited the building a momentter.


    Noticing the rain, Ethan spoke up immediately. “It’s pouring out. Did you drive today, Director Lowell? If not, I can give you a lift.”


    Bianca shook her head politely. “Thanks, but my boyfriend’s picking me up.”


    Ethan’s tone turned teasing and a little envious. “I’ve heard you and Mr. Harcourt have a great rtionship–nice to finally witness it for myself.”


    Bianca couldn’t quite hide the warmth in her voice. “He was supposed toe with me today, actually, but something came upst minute at work.“


    No wonder they weren’t together today.