Mina had struggled with mental health issues before, so Noreen always worried a little extra about


    her well–being.


    “Got it, secret–keeper!” Mina grinned, using their old nickname.


    Noreen was just about to call her colleagues into the restaurant when another sedan pulled up in front of her.


    The passenger window rolled down in a hurry, and a woman called out, “Ms. Gilmore, wait up!”


    Noreen turned and saw it was Joyner, the CEO of Evergain Capital.


    Joyner hopped out of the car and practically jogged over to her. “Ms. Gilmore! What a coincidence, you’re here for sushi too? Since we’ve run into each other, let’s eat together!”


    Noreen managed a polite smile. “I’m sorry, Ms. Joyner. We’re here for apany dinner…”


    But Joyner wasn’t fazed. “No worries, you all go ahead with your dinner. I won’t intrude. If you have a few minutes, maybe we could chat?”


    It was obvious Joyner was here for business–specifically, to talk project coboration.


    Noreen wasn’t surprised. For days, her phone had been ringing off the hook with people trying to reach her. She just hadn’t expected Joyner to chase her down at a restaurant.


    Still, a guest is a guest–and if she wanted to keep herwork intact, she couldn’t afford to offend a


    CEO.


    So Noreen agreed.


    Joyner’s face lit up. “Great! I’ll book a private room. I’ll text you the details–juste over whenever you’re free. I’ll be waiting!”


    She’d already walked a few steps away but turned back to emphasize, “Ms. Gilmore, I’ll be waiting! Don’t stand me up!”


    Noreen could only sigh.


    “Ms. Gilmore, I want sushi!” Mina piped up, mimicking Joyner’s enthusiastic tone.


    Noreen feigned annoyance.


    Mina instantly ducked behind Carman. “Uh–oh, Ms. Gilmore’s mad!”


    Their group filed into the restaurant,ughter and chatter bubbling around them.


    In the private room next door, Bianca and Seth were already seated.


    The walls weren’t exactly soundproof, so the lively banter from Noreen’s group quickly carried over.


    Sophia was shielding Noreen from having to drink, her voice ringing out distinctively–no surprise, given her background in ssical singing.


    “From now on, I’ll drink on Ms. Gilmore’s behalf!” Sophia dered, thumping her chest. “She’s model!”


    my


    role


    “Role model for what?” Noreenughed.


    “Your skills, of course! Sure, you’re Chief Secretary at Aurelion Group, but you’re handling work that’s really for an investment director! The annualpany meeting’sing up, and I wonder who’ll win Employee of the Year. I mean, just look at the reports–half the KPIs were achieved by Noreen! I’d love to see who has the nerve to go up and im that award!”


    Next door, Bianca’s face flushed with embarrassment.


    Because that morning, during the management meeting, Seth had brought up the Employee of the Year award.


    The whole management team, reading between the lines, unanimously rmended Bianca.


    Seth approved it on the spot.


    At the time, Bianca had felt a surge of pride, thinking Seth was recognizing her contributions, maybe even solidifying her ce in thepany.


    But now, she wished she could disappear.


    Seth stayed calm, as if sensing her difort. “Don’t worry about what others think,” he said quietly.


    “Okay.”


    His reassurance helped. At least Seth was on her side.


    A momentter, there was a knock at the door next to theirs.


    Bianca recognized the voice immediately.


    “Ms. Gilmore, I’ve already ordered some food. Whenever you’re done chatting, juste over–I’ll be waiting!”


    Joyner sounded almost desperate, as if afraid Noreen might bail.


    “I’ll be there in a bit,” Noreen called back.


    “Alright, take your time–didn’t mean to interrupt.” Joyner’s voice faded as she left.


    The room barely had time <i>to </i>settle before another knock sounded next door.


    “Seems I’ve arrived just in time,” a familiar voice announced.


    This time, it was Dn.