Until the truth finally came out, Henry had been absolutely convinced that his own judgment was right.
But why did Mrs. Joyner trust Noreen so much?
Most likely, she’d been manipted by Noreen’s subtle machinations.
That woman was even more cunning than he’d imagined.
Yet, when the truth was revealed, Henry could only fall silent.
The security footage was crystal clear: Noreen had tripped over the edge of a rug-her bnce thrown off by the high heels she was wearing-and stumbled forward. Castle, acting out of nothing but courtesy and instinct, caught her to keep her from falling.
As soon as Noreen steadied herself, the two of them immediately separated.
From start to finish, there hadn’t been even a hint of impropriety between them.
Henry’s expression darkened, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.
Only Mrs. Joyner remainedposed, her face as calm and unbothered as ever.
Now that the truth was out, there was no point in dragging things on. She dismissed him without pretense. “Mr. Brooke, I’m afraid I’m not feeling well, so I won’t be keeping you any longer. And I do expect you to keep your word-please go and apologize to Miss Gilmore yourself.”
Henry’s face was grim, but since he’d already made the promise, he had no choice but to follow through, no matter how much he resented it.
As the evening drew to a close, Noreen was preparing to say goodbye to Mr. Joyner before heading
out.
But someone else beat her to it.
Seth and Bianca were already there.
Bianca had been waiting for hours for a chance to speak with Castle, and finally, she’d found her opening. Though she came to say goodnight, she lingered, clearly hoping for more conversation.
Castle’s attitude toward her hadn’t changed: distant and politely indifferent.
Bianca’s spirits sank. She felt helpless, as if her efforts were futile-an all-too-familiar sensation she’d once experienced with Wade.
Seth gave her a reassuring look, trying tofort her.
Noreen, keeping a close eye on Castle and waiting for her chance to say farewell, couldn’t help but notice the over-the-top, lingering nces Seth and Bianca were exchanging in front of everyone.
To make matters worse, Bianca shot her a deliberately provocative look.
Noreen didn’t bother to hide her annoyance, rolling her eyes in return.
20:28
Chapter 345 <fne60a> ?????? ???? find[?]ovel</fne60a>
“It’s a tough world out there-funny what some people are willing to fight over, even the trash,” someone muttered nearby.
Noreen was taken aback, almost thinking she’d identally said her own thoughts out loud. But then she realized the words hade from a woman in a mint-green evening gown standing not far
away.
She looked vaguely familiar, but Noreen couldn’t quite ce her.
The woman held a wine ss, eyes fixed pointedly on Seth and Bianca as she spoke. Her meaning was unmistakable.
Bianca frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, nothing. Just an idle observation.” The woman shed a harmless smile. “Unless, of course, you’re the type to take everything personally, Miss Lowell.”
Bianca realized she’d walked right into the woman’s trap and her face soured.
In moments like this, Seth always stepped up to defend her, never allowing anyone to so much as slight her-a perfect, attentive boyfriend.
Funny how this was the same man who’d been cold and indifferent through seven years with someone else. It all depended on who you were.
“Miss Quinn, have we ever wronged you?” Seth ced himself protectively in front of Bianca, his tone icy as he confronted the woman.
“Not at all,” Tiana replied smoothly. “I just felt like mouthing off tonight, Mr. Harcourt, no offense.”
Her words were calcted-if Seth took issue, it was as if he were admitting to being the “trash” in question. If he didn’t, he was silently epting it.
Just then, Noreen finally remembered who Miss Quinn was. A couple of years ago, Seth had been outte with Healy and the others, and when he called her to pick him up, she’d seen this woman there.
20:28