She caught sight of Noreen and paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before <b>she </b><b>let </b><b>out </b><b>a </b>dismissive little scoff.


    Trailing in behind her was another colleague from the second division.


    Noreen gave her a polite nod, just enough to count as a greeting.


    As soon as the elevator doors slid shut, Ruby Wilder sneered, “Maybe thepany should step <b>up </b>its security. Seems like just anyone can stroll right in these days<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Her colleague shrank back, wisely keeping quiet.


    When the elevator reached the twelfth floor, Eugene Johnson from the executive office stepped in. The moment he spotted Noreen, his demeanor shifted to one of deference. “Ms. Gilmore, the front desk mentioned you’d arrived–I was just about toe down and meet you. Didn’t expect you to make your way up yourself.”


    “No need to be so formal. I’ve been here often enough, figured I could find my own way.”


    Noreen paused, her gaze flicking briefly to Ruby Wilder.


    “But perhaps next time I should wait for you downstairs,” she added lightly, “wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea and mistake me for some random interloper.”


    Eugene’s face turned serious. “Ms. Gilmore is a valued partner of Aurelion Group, never just some random person. Has someone been saying otherwise? If so, please let me know–I’ll make sure Mr. Harcourt hears about it.”


    Everyone knew Seth’s rules on office gossip were strict–zero tolerance. Anyone caught spreading rumors would be fired on the spot and cklisted for good.


    A cold sweat broke out down Ruby Wilder’s back.


    She shot Noreen a nervous nce, clearly hoping for a little mercy–hoping Noreen would let it slide.


    But Noreen wasn’t exactly known for her charity. She didn’t hand out mercy tokens to just anyone.


    “You might want to check with Manager Wilder here,” Noreen said evenly. “Ask her what she’s been saying.”


    The color drained from Ruby’s face in an instant.


    Noreen didn’t waste time savoring the moment; the elevator had already reached the executive floor.


    Eugene led her into the conference room, where Hugh Summers was already chatting with Seth.


    When he spotted Noreen, Hugh smiled warmly. “Ms. Gilmore, d you’re heree, have a seat.”


    He gestured to the spot right beside Seth, as if by habit.


    Noreen, however, made her way to the other side of the table, deliberately putting some distance between herself and Seth. “I’ll sit over here, thanks.”


    Hugh didn’t give it a second thought. “Doesn’t matter where you sit–we’re just wrapping up anyway.


    <b>19:32 </b>


    Just waiting for you to join us.”


    The terms had already been discussed beforehand, all that was left was to hammer out a few details.


    Noreen knew that Seth, in order to help Bianca save face, was willing to let Aurelion Group shoulder some losses.


    She didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity, securing the best possible deal for both Winrich and InnoCore.


    She half expected Seth to push back–as he always would have in the past.


    But this time, he said nothing. He simply signed off on the documents, quick and decisive.


    She’d never realized before that Seth had it in him to y the lovesick fool.


    He really was willing to sacrifice for Bianca’s career.


    As the conversation wound down, the conference room door swung open without warning.


    Noreen arched an eyebrow; she didn’t even need to look to know who it was.


    Aurelion Group ran a tight ship–rules for everything. Only one person had the privilege to ignore them.


    Bianca.


    Bianca breezed in, calling out cheerfully, “Seth!”


    Then she caught sight of the others, realizing she’d interrupted. “Oh–I didn’t know anyone else was in here. I thought it was just Seth. Sorry, hope I didn’t disrupt anything?”


    Clearly, the privilege of <i>not </i>having to knock had been extended to Bianca. Not that it was surprising, given the nature of their rtionship.


    Even Hugh Summers seemed unfazed, chuckling as he teased, “No worries. We’re just about finished anyway–time to return Mr. Harcourt to you.”


    Biancaughed. “Oh, Mr. Summers, you’re terrible. It’s just about lunchtime–care to join us?”


    There was more than just Hugh in the room, but Bianca’s invitation was clearly meant to exclude Noreen.


    Noreen grabbed her bag, ready to leave.


    Seth called after her, “Ms. Gilmore, would <i>you </i>care to join us for lunch?”


    <b>10-22 </b>