Bianca was clearly surprised, her expression awkward for a fleeting moment before she recovered, extending her hand graciously. "Mr. Vincent. It''s been a while."


    Henry beamed. "Oh, you two know each other? Even better."


    Out of courtesy, Vincent shook her hand, but his expression was lukewarm. Henry, however, was so focused on Bianca that he didn''t notice.


    "Mr. Vincent," Henry began enthusiastically, "the person I mentioned on the phone was Bianca. She has a PhD in Finance from a top international university and led one of thergest port acquisition deals in recent years. She has the credentials and the experience. My proposal is a three-way partnership: you provide the technology, I provide the capital, and Bianca handles the business operations. I''m certain we can make this project a massive sess."


    Vincent listened, a faint smile on his lips. "So this was the brilliant n you mentioned on the phone."


    Henry missed the coolness in his tone and continued to sing Bianca''s praises. "She has a long list of sessful projects. The recentlyunched mobile game, *Aetheria*, was her brainchild. She has a real talent for market strategy, and as for herwork..." Henry paused. He wasn''t keen on bringing up Seth, but it was his trump card. "Well, with Mr. Harcourt of Aurelion Group backing her, her connections are second to none."


    This was the source of Bianca''s confidence. Even if she and Vincent had their differences, money talked. With Henry''s glowing rmendation and Seth in her corner, she believed any smart person would know which side to choose.


    Throughout the exchange, Bianca kept an eye on Noreen, who had remained silent, her expression unreadable. She was probably just putting on a brave face. Vincent nced at Bianca before finally speaking. "Mr. Brooke, I appreciate the offer, but Ms. Gilmore and I have already reached an agreement. I''m afraid we won''t be considering a partnership with Miss Lowell. My apologies." Henry''s face fell.


    Bianca, however, remainedposed. "Mr. Vincent, if you''re still upset about what happened before, I am willing to apologize.”


    Vincent waved his hand dismissively. "That''s all in the past. For me, this is a matter of integrity. Ms. Gilmore has invested a great deal into this project, and I can''t simply betray her trust."


    "Mr. Vincent..." Henry started to protest.


    But Vincent stood up. "I''m sorry, but I don''t think there''s anything more to discuss Goodbye." He then turned to Noreen Ms. Gilmore, my apologies for wasting your time." <fn63f1> For more chapters visit ?ovelFind</fn63f1>


    "Don''t worry about it," Noreen said. "Shall we leave together?"


    "Yes." Vincent wanted to discuss things further with her anyway.


    "Mr. Vincent, I think we should talk more about this," Henry said, trying to get him to stay.


    Noreen had already stepped out of


    the room, deciding to wait for Vincent in the hallway. She hadn''t taken more than a few steps when she ran into Seth. Of course she thought. Bianca''s here, so it''s only natural he would be too.*


    She continued walking, ignoring himpletely. But as she passed, he spoke. "Here for a meeting?"


    Noreen frowned silently, not bothering to answer.


    The door to the adjacent private room opened, and Yves Elwyn stepped out. "Well, look at this, Ms. Gilmore! What a coincidence. You a. coincidence. You


    have to join us for a drink, it''s all''old friends in here."


    Noreen nced into the room and saw it was true. It seemed only right to say hello, so she stepped inside.


    "Someone pour Ms. Gilmore a drink!" Hugh Summers called out. "Our Ms. Gilmore has been on quite a rolltely."


    "Mr. Harcourt and Ms. Gilmore, did you arrive together?" Yves asked when he noticed Seth had followed her in.