It had been too long since they''dst seen each other, so Noreen canceled a government meeting just to have dinner with Dn Wilder.


    She took him to a ce that specialized in nourishing soups.


    The owner recognized Noreen instantly. She hadn''t been by in ages, so he greeted her with genuine delight, telling her about a few new calming herbal broths the restaurant was offering and asking if she''d like to try one.


    Noreen declined with a polite shake of her head.


    Back when she was trying to help Seth with his insomnia, she''d practically scoured every corner of Rivercrest City, searching for the best nourishing soups and herbal recipes. Over time, she and the owner became quite familiar.


    Now, hearing that she didn''t need the calming broths anymore, the owner actually looked pleased for her.


    "I was just wondering why you haven''t stopped bytely. Looks like your boyfriend''s insomnia is finally cured, huh? That''s wonderful."


    Noreen''s expression was cool and distant. "We broke up."


    The owner froze, awkwardness written across his face.


    Noreen, unfazed, simply took her seat and asked, "What were those herbal dishes you mentioned? Do you have anything good for the stomach and digestion?"


    "Oh, absolutely!" The owner perked right up. "Our chef has worked with a top nutritionist to develop several signature recipes-especially for digestion and boosting energy. They''ve been really popr."


    "Do they taste medicinal?" Noreen remembered that Dn disliked anything with a strong herbal vor.


    "Not at all! That''s exactly what makes our recipes special."


    With the owner singing such high praise, Noreen decided to y along and asked him to rmend one of their digestive soups.


    He confidently pointed to an option on the menu-pork tripe and barley soup- and added, “This one''s the restaurant owner''s girlfriend''s absolute favorite."


    Noreen nodded. "This one''s not bad. My assistant makes it for me all the time. You should try it," she told Dn.


    Since Noreen made the choice, Dn had no objections and agreed to try whatever she picked.


    While they waited for their food, Noreen asked Dn how things were going on his end.


    "Not great," he said. "We barely managed to close the deal, and had to sacrifice quite a bit for Omniva Group to make it work." He didn''t borate further.


    Noreen didn''t press him. "As long as it''s settled. You can always find ways to make up for the lossester."


    Dn''s gaze lingered on her, his eyes full of meaning. "That''s what I''m counting on The only project, Omniva had in the ck this quarter was InnoCore."


    "Then let''s keep at it," she replied. "I''ll try to deliver even more solid projects."


    A warmth flickered in Dn''s chest. "Alright."


    Just as their food arrived, Dn''s phone rang. It was Jude, calling to ask when he''d be there.


    "I''m noting," Dn said. "Just pay close attention to the instructions, and fill me in when you get back."


    Noreendled some soup into Dn''s bowl. "You should drink this while it''s hot."


    Suddenly, Jude''s voice red through the phone, shocked, "A woman? Are you with a woman right now? Who is she? Do I know her?"


    Dn rolled his eyes and hung up without bothering to answer.


    Jude was dying of curiosity and was about to call back when Seth and Bianca arrived.


    As soon as she came in, Bianca asked Jude, "Didn''t you say Dn was back in the country? Why isn''t he here for the meeting?"


    "He''s noting," Jude shrugged.


    Bianca paused, frowning. "Why not?"


    It was an important meeting.


    Jude scratched his head. "Seems like he''s on a date. When I called, I heard a woman''s voice in the background."


    Bianca''s smile faded as her mind


    immediately went to Noreen, though she managed to keep her voice evens Let''s organize something tonight invite Dn and get everyone together."


    Jude grinned, all for it. "Sounds good! And let''s have him bring this mystery woman, too. I need to see what kind of siren could make him, skip a meeting


    Bianca''s eyes darkened, but she said nothing more.


    As the meeting started, Jude leaned over to Seth and whispered, "Why isn''t


    Noreen here either?"


    Seth shot him a cold look and warned, "Focus on the meeting."


    Jude shut his mouth immediately.<fn1191> Readplete version only at find[?]ovel</fn1191>