<b>Chapter 172 </b>


    She didn’t even bother to ask Seth for his opinion.


    Clearly, the two of them were close enough that there was no need to draw any boundaries.


    All those strict rules Seth hadid down applied to everyone except Bianca.


    He never tried to restrict her, never set limits for her.


    Carman, who’d been invited out of the blue, frowned in mild confusion.


    Even someone as socially oblivious as him could sense that Bianca was deliberately ignoring Noreen.


    Across the table, Sophia clenched her fist in anger.


    Who openly tries to steal someone away like this? she fumed.


    Under the table, Noreen pressed Sophia’s hand in warning and calmly picked up a piece of sushi, chewing slowly, as if the whole scene had nothing to do with her.


    But Bianca could see she was just putting on a brave face.


    Behind her stood the Aurelion Group, Seth, the entire Harcourt conglomerate.


    This was an olive branch countless people would have begged for, and Bianca had tossed it out herself–she refused to believe Carman wouldn’t be tempted.


    That was the confidence Seth gave her.


    She wanted Noreen to recognize her own ce, to know she wasn’t qualified topete–not in business, not for Seth.


    But reality hit fast.


    Bianca barely finished her proposal before Carman replied almost instantly, “Miss Lowell, I appreciate your offer, but I only handle the technical side. All business matters are managed by my permanent partner, Ms. Gilmore. I work behind the scenes, she’s the public face. If you want to discuss a partnership, <i>you </i>can talk to Ms. Gilmore.”


    Bianca was momentarily stunned.


    Permanent partner?


    That meant Carman and Noreen were already deeply tied together?


    How long had it even been?


    <i>So </i>Noreen did have some tricks up her sleeve–though Bianca couldn’t help but wonder what shady methods she used to earn Carman’s trust so quickly.


    For the first time that evening, Bianca looked straight at Noreen.


    Noreen didn’t look back. She didn’t spare her so much as a nce, just focused on her food as if it was the most exquisite meal in the world.


    Bianca’s expression darkened.


    <i>1/2 </i>


    11:18


    “Will Ms. Gilmore be joining us, then?” she pressed.


    This time, it was Seth who spoke.


    To be honest, Noreen was a little surprised. If she and Seth didn’t have all thatplicated history, she would’ve epted his invitation without a second thought.


    But they did have a history–a seven–year saga that had consumed her youth.


    Now, all she wanted was to draw a clear line between them, to leave Seth and the past behind for good.


    So she didn’t hesitate. “No, thank you,” she said coolly.


    The refusal was brisk and final, the kind of answer that sounded almost like she was telling him to get lost.


    Seth didn’t take offense. He simply left with CEO Joyner.


    Bianca hurried after them, sliding her arm through Seth’s without hesitation.


    He didn’t shrug her off, just let her hang on.


    Carman watched the scene unfold, his frown deepening. He couldn’t understand how Seth could let Noreen go. She was such a remarkable woman–maybe Seth didn’t deserve her at all.


    “You…” Carman turned to Noreen, his worry clear in his eyes.


    But Noreen just shrugged it off. “Don’t just sit there. Eat. Don’t let irrelevant people ruin your appetite.”


    She was perfectly fine–her appetite hadn’t suffered in the least.


    Even when Seth had tried to poach Carman right at her own dinner, she hadn’t cared.


    While their private <i>room </i>quieted, the next room over was lively.


    A waiter brought over the menus. As Bianca started ordering, she turned to Seth with a sweet smile. “Seth, is there anything <i>you’d </i>like to eat?”


    Seth replied, “Whatever you order is fine with me.”


    CEO Joyner, seated nearby, chuckled. “Mr. Harcourt and Director Lowell, you two really are a perfect


    match!”


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