But Noreen didn’t feel a trace of envy or resentment.


    In fact, sitting behind the wheel of a car she’d chosen and paid for herself, she felt far more grounded.


    Even if her car cost less than a tenth of what that other one did.


    After picking out the model she wanted, Dn suggested she take it for a spin first–just to see how it felt before making a decision.


    So Noreen took the car out for a test drive around the block.


    The experience was excellent–smooth, responsive,fortable. She was satisfied and decided to head back to the dealership to sign the purchase contract.


    Just as she reached the entrance, she spotted Bianca and Lillian standing out front.


    Judging from their posture, they were clearly waiting for someone.


    Noreen parked the test car, got out, and followed the salesperson back inside.


    Bianca and Lillian saw her too.


    Bianca, mid–conversation with Lillian, immediately let her expression cool by several degrees when she noticed Noreen. She quickly looked away and resumed her chat with Lillian.


    “Don’t worry,” Bianca reassured her. “The staff said it’s just a minor scratch. Nothing serious, so don’t stress out.”


    Earlier that morning, Lillian had identally scraped the car’s bumper and, not wanting to dy, had rushed straight to the dealership for repairs.


    Once Bianca heard, she came over to check on things.


    Fortunately, it was just a small scratch. Bianca’s anxiety eased, and she made a point tofort the still–nervous Lillian.


    “I was scared out of my mind! That car is the token of love your brother–inw gave you. If something really happened to it while I was driving, I’d never forgive myself!”


    “It’s fine, really. Seth won’t make a fuss about it.”


    It wasn’t long before Seth arrived as well.


    “He got here this fast? He must really be worried about you!” Lillian teased.


    Bianca greeted him with a smile. “It was just a little ident. I told you there was no need to bother Seth, but Lillian insisted on messaging you anyway.”


    11:19


    “Hope we didn’t pull you away from anything important?”


    Ever the considerate one.


    Seth replied, “Nothing about you is ever a bother.”


    Lillian, subjected to their little disy, couldn’t help but protest, “Come on, you two–could you keep the lovey–dovey stuff to yourselves? I am still here, you know!”


    Seth apanied Bianca to check on the car, and when they came out, they ran into Noreen and Dn, who had just finished signing the contract.


    Dn was leaning toward Noreen, speaking softly, his expression uncharacteristically gentle.


    Bianca stopped in her tracks, almost instinctively.


    She’d been so sure when she told Jude that Dn wasn’t serious about Noreen. That he was just fooling around, chasing novelty, and would toss her aside once he got bored–just like he had with other women before.


    Besides, Bianca knew Dn still carried a torch for someone else; there was no way he’d fall for Noreen.


    But now, watching the two of them together, Bianca felt a twinge of unease.


    She’d never seen Dn act this attentive with any woman.


    He’d flown all the way to Harborcrest City just to bring flowers to Noreen. He’d turned down Bianca’s own invitations, only to show up at Noreen’s dinner instead. And now, here he was, personally helping Noreen buy a car. For all she knew, maybe he was even paying for it himself.


    The salesperson was exining something to Noreen, and Noreen was listening intently, not even ncing in their direction.


    The salesperson said the car would be ready in two days, which happened to be a lucky day ording to the calendar–an auspicious time to pick it up.


    Noreen agreed.


    Bianca nced at the car Noreen had chosen.


    Then she curled her lip in disdain.


    She was overthinking it.


    If Dn really liked her, would he have let her pick a car that cost less than a hundred thousand? Not a chance.