"What are you standing there for? Pull out a chair for Ms. Gilmore and get her some coffee," Dn Wilder prompted his brother.


    For once, Jude swallowed his pride. He rose and pulled out a chair for Noreen, inviting her to sit.


    "Why, thank you," ire Chase said, plopping down into the seat with a cheeky grin. It wasn''t every day that Mr. Jude Wilder personally pulled out a chair for someone, and she was going to enjoy it, just to see if it felt any different.


    Jude''s face darkened, and he was about tosh out when a thought stopped him cold. He had moved mountains just for Dn to arrange this meeting with Noreen. ire was her best friend, and offending her was the same as offending Noreen. He had to endure it. Gritting his teeth, he pulled out another chair.


    "Thank you," Noreen said, gracefully taking her seat.


    Jude then scurried to prepare the coffee. Just as he was about to hand a cup to Noreen, ire''s hand shot out to intercept it.


    He clenched his jaw. *Patience.*


    ire took a sip and offered a thoughtful critique. "Excellent coffee." It was impossible to tell if she wasplimenting the drink or taking a veiled jab at him. Even if it was thetter, he had to pretend he didn''t understand and dutifully poured another cup for Noreen.


    Noreen let the coffee sit untouched. Dn gave Jude a pointed look, signaling him to begin.


    Jude quicklyunched into his pitch, exining that Seymour Group was eager to partner with Winrich. Noreen listened without giving any clear indication of her thoughts. Growing anxious, Jude shot several pleading nces at Dn.


    "You''ve probably heard about Seymour Group''s situation," Dn finally interjected. "Development has stalled over the past couple of years, and things aren''t looking good."


    "Since we''re being direct," Noreen said, her voice calm and steady as she addressed Jude, "I''ll ask you one question, Mr. Wilder. Given Seymour Group''s condition, why should Winrich partner with you?"


    .n


    Jude''s face fett. He clearly hadn''t expected her toy the situation bare so bluntly, especially when he was the one asking for a favor. "Does this mean you''re unwilling to help, Ms. Gilmore?" This was quite possibly the first time in his twenty-odd years that Jude had ever humbled himself to beg for something-and from Noreen, a woman he had once looked down on.


    Noreen slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes cool and distant. "Mr. Wilder, you seem to be confused. We''re here to talk business. I''m a businesswoman, not a


    phnthropist. Her words wel


    delivered with the calm, detached authority of someone inplete control.


    Jude''s heart sank, a sh of humiliation crossing his face. "Then what will it take for you to partner with Seymour Group?" he asked, his hands clenching into tight fists on hisp.


    Since they were cutting to the chase, Noreen didn''t hold back. "Winrich acquires a controlling stake in Seymour Group, and you, Mr. Wilder, hand over all management rights."


    "Impossible!" Jude shot to his feet, his face a mask of outrage and shame.


    Even Dn was taken aback by her terms. If they agreed, Seymour Group would effectively have a new owner. What was the difference between that and dering bankruptcy?


    "That''s daylight robbery!" Jude used, unable to ept her proposal.


    Noreen''s expression remained cid. "I''ve made my offer. The choice is yours."


    Jude''s fists tightened, his nails digging into his palms as he stared at her serene face, a fire of indignation burning in his chest.<fn5718> Read full story at FindN()vel</fn5718>


    The meeting ended on a sour note, with Jude storming out, his face like thunder. The cup of coffee Noreen had been served remained untouched.


    "That''s just how he is," Dn said, pouring Noreen a fresh cup. "He needs time to ept reality."


    Noreen wasn''t bothered. "Seymour Group has deep structural problems," she stated calmly. "Even with a new injection of capital, there''s no guarantee it can be saved."


    ***