<b>Chapter </b>174


    Wade had promised to introduce her to a friend.


    Noreen nodded seriously. “Alright, I’ll be there on time.”


    When she left the hospital, Evelyn insisted on walking her out, all the way to the entrance. In truth, Evelyn wasn’t just being polite–she was fishing for information.


    Noreen made things clear for her.


    She and Seth were over.


    For good. No second chances.


    Evelyn looked genuinely sad. “How did ite to this?”


    She just couldn’t wrap her head around it.


    That afternoon, Noreen had an appointment with Carman to discuss a potential partnership at NaviTech. For convenience, Carman came to pick her up at the hospital.


    As soon as Noreen stepped outside, she saw Carman waiting and heading her way. “All set?” Carman asked, handing her a thermos. “Mina made you some ginger tea. She made me promise I’d watch you finish it.”


    The night before, Noreen’s premenstrual symptoms had red up–ever since her miscarriage, every cycle had been almost unbearable. She’d mentioned feeling unwell to Mina in passing, not thinking much of it, but Mina remembered and specially brewed the tea for Carman to bring her. Such a thoughtful gesture.


    “Tell her thanks for me,” Noreen said, epting the warm cup.


    “It’s getting chilly again,” Carman added, pulling a scarf from his bag. “Here, wear thister.”


    “Thanks.”


    Evelyn watched their easy exchange. With her own experience, she could tell–Carman clearly liked Noreen. Whether Noreen felt the same, she couldn’t be sure yet.


    At first, Evelyn was surprised, but thinking it over, it made perfect sense. Noreen was a catch–anyone would be drawn to her.


    Evelyn epted the reality, but her chest still felt tight with unspoken regret. Seth had let such a wonderful woman slip through his fingers. One day, he’d realize just how much he’d lost.


    Noreen and Carman’s meeting at NaviTech was with Mr. Hugh Summers.


    After seeing InnoCore’s innovations at the recent summit, Hugh had exchanged contacts with Noreen and expressed clear interest in a partnership. He wanted to integrate their Al model into NaviTech’s office suite to boost productivity, enhance data processing, and create personalized virtual


    assistants.


    11:18


    NaviTech’s office software was the market leader, boasting over 700 million registered users, serving more than 25 millionpanies and organizations, and holding the top spot in monthly active users for several years running.


    A coboration like this could open extraordinary new doors for InnoCore. Both Noreen and Carman knew what was at stake.


    Their meeting went smoothly, with lively conversation and easy rapport. As they wrapped up, Hugh personally walked them to the elevator.


    “No need to see us off, Mr. Summers,” Noreen smiled. “Let’s reconnect to hammer out the details once InnoCore’s open–source model is released.”


    “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to your good news!”


    The elevator arrived and Noreen bid Hugh goodbye once more before leaving.


    Just then, Hugh’s secretary approached with a report. “Mr. Summers, Director Lowell from Aurelion Group called again–he’s hoping to discuss a possible partnership. Shall I-?”


    “Keep telling him I’m out of town on business,” Hugh replied smoothly.


    Bianca was almost certainly angling for SkyMind. Noreen wasn’t surprised; after all, SkyMind’s core was smart office tech–a NaviTech partnership was only logical.


    It was rush hour, and the elevator was crowded. Noreen and Carman were pushed to the back. More people squeezed in at the next floor, and a familiar voice caught Noreen’s ear.


    “Cousin, I really think Mr. Summers is dodging us on purpose. Why don’t you ask your husband for help? It’s better thaning all this way for nothing every time.”


    Bianca replied, “Let me try on my own first. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll talk to Seth.”


    <b>C </b>