Noreen was genuinely puzzled.


    He hadn''t blocked her?


    What was going on?


    Before she could figure it out, Seth''s message popped up: "What do you want?"


    He replied so quickly that it actually threw her off for a second.


    But Noreen quickly recovered and typed back, "I need a favor, Mr. Harcourt."


    Seth replied, "You know my rules. If you want something from me, you have to trade for it. I''m not running a charity."


    In her mind, Noreen had already torn Seth to shreds a thousand times before she texted back, "Name your price."


    If he so much as dared ask for something inappropriate, she''d screenshot the conversation and send it straight to Bianca.


    "Noreen, I want cake."


    That was his request?


    Seriously?


    It was so bizarre, she almostughed.


    As if he was certain she''d agree, Seth sent another message: "It has to be homemade this time. Don''t try to fool me likest time with something store- bought."


    Noreen: "..."


    He could actually taste the difference?


    Looks like she couldn''t get away with her old trick this time.


    She asked Seth for the address, promising to bring it over when it was ready.


    He sent her the location.


    Noreen nced at it-it was the same hotel asst time, even the room number hadn''t changed.


    Probably trying to keep Bianca from finding out and getting jealous. That''s why he insisted on meeting at a hotel.


    Noreen whipped up a simple cake. He''d only asked her to make one, not to create a masterpiece. As long as it looked like a cake, it would do.<fnc703> Discover more novels at find{n}ovel</fnc703>


    She went over after work. Seth, meanwhile, was already waiting at the hotel.


    She''d barely knocked before the door swung open.


    Seth had just showered and was only wearing a bathrobe. The cor hung loosely, giving a teasing glimpse of his chest.


    Noreen looked away, expression cool, and handed him the cake.


    Seth didn''t take it, his tone yful. "I need to check first. Make sure you didn''t try to cheat me."


    He was really milking this.


    Seeing the wary look on her face, he let out a low chuckle, "What are you so nervous about? I''m not going to


    ear


    With that, he ignored her and walked back into the room, grabbing a towel to dry his hair.


    Noreen didn''t bother arguing. She stepped inside and set the cake on the dining table.


    Seth, towel in hand, asked casually, "You''re here for Vincent''s contact info, right?" Noreen wasn''t surprised he''d guessed her motive. She admitted, "Yes."


    "You think you can convince him?"


    "I have to try."


    Seth smirked. "Well, you''ve always been good at winning people over. I''m sure he won''t be able to resist you."


    Noreen had no patience for his banter.


    The deal was done. Nothing more to say.


    "Then if you could give me Mr. Vincent''s contact information, M Harcourt, I''d appreciate it." Hertone was all business, making clear she had no intention of getting further involved.


    Seth''s eyes-dark and unreadable in the bright room-lingered on her for a long moment.


    Finally, he said, "Noreen, you''re really cold."


    Noreen: "???"


    How could he say that with a straight face?


    Before she could retort, he murmured, "No, this is good. Keep it up."


    Noreen found herself unable—and unwilling to figure this man out.


    Seth took a pen and notepad, scribbled down Vincent''s number, and handed it to her.


    She offered a curt thank you and turned to go.


    Seth opened the cake box, broke off a piece with his hand, and popped it into his mouth.


    He tasted it, and his expression softened, some tension fading from his features.


    Just as Noreen reached the door,


    Seth called out in azy tone,


    "No getting engaged Aren''t


    you going to congratte me?