Seth listened with a detached air, his expression t and uninterested.


    Not surprising.


    He''d never really cared about Noreen to begin with.


    Now that Bianca was in the picture, whatever little attention he''d once spared for Noreen had vanishedpletely-she was barely even a blip on his radar these days.


    Funny thing is, even though the two of them had crossed paths plenty of times since their split, neither ever seemed the least bit ruffled. Each encounter passed with a cool, almost indifferent politeness, as if they wereplete strangers, their seven years together nothing but a footnote.


    Seth''s indifference made sense to Jude. He''d always treated Noreen with a certain distance-even when they were together, it never seemed like she mattered much to him. So it stood to reason that, after they broke up, he''d feel nothing at all.


    But what Jude couldn''t wrap his head around was Noreen.


    How did she manage to stay so calm? Not once had she made a scene or lost herposure.


    Bianca, meanwhile, had assumed Mrs. Naylor would only greet Noreen out of professional courtesy-a quick hello for the sake of politeness, since Noreen was a business partner. Bianca had even nned to mention her own mother when Mrs. Naylor came over, just to make a connection, maybe remind Mrs. Naylor that she and her mother, Yvonne, were always on good terms. Mrs. Naylor tended to look out for her, and Bianca figured a little reminder wouldn''t hurt.


    She''d also meant to find a chance to warn Mrs. Naylor about Noreen just a subtle nudge, so Mrs. Naylor would keep her son, Healy, far away from her. That way, the idea of Healy and Noreen ever bing a thing would be nipped in the bud.


    But things didn''t go as Bianca expected. Instead of a polite greeting and moving on, Mrs. Naylor sat right down next to Noreen, never letting go of her hand, her fondness in for all to see.


    Just as Jude had joked-it really did look like a future mother-inw meeting her potential daughter-inw for the first time. And Mrs. Naylor seemed absolutely delighted.


    The realization hit Bianca hard, her face darkening in an instant.


    Jude leaned over and whispered to Healy, "What''s going on with your mom?"


    Healy gave a helpless little shrug, but his voice was tinged with obvious affection. "She really likes Noreen. Wants to get to know her better, so things will be easierter on."


    Jude frowned. "Easier for what?"


    Healy chuckled quietly, clearly in high spirits. "So they''ll get along in the future, of course."


    Before Jude could ask anything else, more important guests arrived and Healy moved off to greet them, leaving Jude blinking in confusion.


    Bianca had overheard every word. Her expression only soured further.


    Only Seth seemed to pick up on her change in mood. He gave her a concerned look. "Are you feeling alright?"


    Bianca forced a smile. "I''m fine. Let''s go back to our seats."<fna44e> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find(?)ovel</fna44e>


    Thest thing she wanted was to see Noreen.


    The press conference was a resounding sess, especially with InnoCore joining forces with Naylor Automotive Their new self driving car was a runaway hit, instantly vaulting Naylor Automotive Group to the front of the pack.


    Thepany''s stock skyrocketed, hitting the daily limit not once but eighteen


    times in a single day. It was absolutely unprecedented.


    The event wasn''t even over before people started lining up to discuss future coborations with Noreen. Mrs.


    even took it upon herself


    to introduce her around.


    Healy, caught up in the celebration, invited family and friends to avish party that evening.


    Of course, Noreen was on the guest


    list. Not that Healy needed to say


    up


    it-Mrs. Naylor had already made her mind that Noreen would be there. She was absolutely smitten With the girl: beautiful, smart sharp-eyed, and always poised. The more time she spent with Noreen, the more she liked her-so much so, she was starting to think her own son might not be good enough.


    The celebration was held at the grandest hotel in Rivercrest City, every detail extravagant.


    Originally, Noreen was supposed to sit with the business partners, but Mrs. Naylor insisted she be moved to her own table, right by her side.


    The move didn''t go unnoticed. Soon, everyone was specting about who Noreen really was.