The less–than–ideal test results weighed heavily on Noreen’s mind.


    Since it was Seth who had helped arrange for this specialist, Noreen made a small request of Dr. Wynne before she left.


    “Please don’t share my results with anyone.”


    Dr. Wynne adjusted his sses and replied, “Protecting patient privacy is one of the core duties of a doctor. You have nothing to worry about; I take my professional ethics seriously.”


    “Thank you.”


    With her spirits low, Noreen left the hospital.


    Even the weather seemed to mirror her mood–a dull, overcast sky pressing down, just as heavy as the thoughts crowding her mind.


    Seth was nowhere to be seen.


    She couldn’t quite name what she was feeling.


    The truth was, whether he showed up or not, it made no difference to her anymore.


    She’d gone numb to it a long time ago.


    Still, she thought, if you can’t keep a promise, maybe don’t make one in the first ce.


    As soon as the New Year’s holiday ended, Noreen threw herself back into her busy work routine.


    First thing in the morning, she walked into her office and asked Sophia to bring her a strong cup of


    ck coffee to wake her up.


    Sophia agreed, but when she returned, she handed Noreen not coffee, but a steaming mug of herbal tea sweetened with brown sugar.


    Noreen frowned at her.


    Sophia exined, “You can’t drink iced ck coffee during your period. The herbal tea will help you


    feel better.”


    Noreen raised an eyebrow. “How did you know I’m on my period?”


    Sophia grinned. “I can tell. Every time, your face goes pale and you keep pressing your hand to your


    stomach.”


    Noreen smirked and gave her a rarepliment. “Not bad. You’re getting observant.”


    Sophia was one of her protégés–bright and hardworking, but notoriously scatterbrained.


    Back at the Aurelion Group, Noreen had spent countless hours correcting that w.


    Now, it seemed, her efforts were paying off.


    <b>19:37 </b>


    35


    Sophia beamed, clearly pleased with herself. “Of course! Look who trained me!”


    Then she added, “Hurry up and drink it! I’ve got a whole pot in the kitchen. Let me know when you want more, and I’ll pour you another cup!”


    Noreen just shook her head, half amused, half exasperated.


    That afternoon, Noreen had scheduled interviews with the shortlisted candidates herself.


    As she was heading into the interview room, Sophia caught her at the door to ry a bit of news.


    “Ruby Wilder is here.”


    Noreen’s brow creased. “Didn’t I already reject her resume? Who told her toe?”


    Sophia shook her head. “No idea. I just spotted her at reception when I went to pick up a package. She’s good at making an impression–brought coffee for the front desk staff.”


    Noreen knew exactly what kind of person Ruby Wilder was. She flipped through the stack of resumes in her hand, and sure enough, Ruby’s was there.


    “I’ll go throw it out,” Sophia offered.


    Noreen stopped her. “It’s fine. Let her in.”


    With that, she stepped into the interview room.


    Soon, the interviews began.


    Since the applicants had already been carefully screened, the ones who made it to this round were all quite capable.


    Noreen conducted another round of selection–keeping those who fit, politely turning away those who


    didn’t.


    Ruby Wilder was the ninth candidate to enter.


    She walked in brimming with confidence, convinced she was the most qualified person in the room.


    After all, her résumé sparkled–she’d been an investment manager at Aurelion Group, and that alone gave her plenty of swagger.


    As for her online application being rejected, she chalked it up to some clerical mistake.


    That’s why she’d shown up at Winrich in person,pletely sure of herself.


    Noreen guessed that Ruby still didn’t know she was the owner of Winrich. If she had, she probably wouldn’t have bothered toe.


    Ruby strode in, a confident smile on her face, all set to introduce herself to the panel–until she saw Noreen seated at the center.


    For a split second, her expression was priceless–her smile froze, words catching in her throat.


    Noreen kept her tone strictly professional, gesturing for Ruby to have a seat.


    She asked the standard questions, not giving Ruby any special treatment or making things difficult for her.


    <b>2/2 </b>


    19:37)


    <b>Chapter </b><b>198 </b>