"In terms of resources, Brooke Group is exponentiallyrger than Winrich. I simply don''t understand why you would choose Noreen, who is inferior to me in every way."


    Mrs. Joyner, who had been taking her medication, paused and looked up at him. "So, Mr. Brooke, you believe credentials are more important than capability?"


    Henry frowned. "That''s not what I meant."


    Mrs. Joyner''s expression was cool. "A degree can get you in the door, but ability is what sustains you. A project''s sess isn''t just about throwing money at it; it requires masterful execution. In that regard, Noreen is clearly more adept than you.” Her voice was calm but sharp, effortlessly piercing through Henry''s arrogance. "Besides, you have a tendency to judge people with prejudice." Henry wanted to deny it, but Mrs. Joyner didn''t give him the chance. "You are biased against Noreen. No matter how much I praise her, you won''t ept it. You''ll just assume my judgment is wed and try to correct me. Just likest time —even when I presented you with evidence, you chose to believe your own assumptions over the facts right in front of your eyes."


    Noreen hade fully prepared, and Mrs. Joyner was deeply impressed after reviewing her project proposal. Vincent''s talent was also undeniable, so they quickly finalized the details of their coboration.


    During the meeting, Noreen noticed Mrs. Joyner frequently rubbing her chest. She paused the discussion. "Are you feeling unwell? Should we call a doctor?"


    "No, it''s an old problem," Mrs. Joyner said, motioning for Vincent to continue. Noreen found a cushion and ced it behind Mrs. Joyner''s lower back, hoping to make her morefortable.


    They worked until the afternoon, stopping only when the butler brought a doctor in.<fn9245> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? findnovel</fn9245>


    "We''ll continue this tomorrow. You should all get some rest," Mrs. Joyner said, asking the butler to see them out.


    As they were leaving, Noreen saw the doctorying out several bottles of medication on the table. She nced over and recognized a few of the names.


    Back at the hotel, Noreen looked up the medications. The more she read, the graver her expression became.


    The next day, when she visited Mrs. Joyner again, she noticed herplexion was even worse than before. They had barely started talking when Noreen called a halt to the meeting, iming she needed more time to prepare the remaining details.


    Mrs. Joyner frowned. "That doesn''t sound like you."


    Noreen exined that she was exhausted from working nonstop and that theck of rest was affecting her performance. Mrs Joyner studied her for a moment, seeming to understand her true intentions. She sent Vincent and Sophia to the dining room


    refreshments, asking Noreen to stay behind.


    "You''ve figured out I''m sick, haven''t you?" Mrs. Joyner asked.


    At this point, Noreen didn''t try to hide it. She nodded, admitting she had seen the doctor''s medications and had researched them.


    "Since you know, there''s no point in concealing it have breast cancer. It''s terminal: I don''t have much time left, which is why I want toplete this acquisition and put my mind at ease. Centribo was part of Mrs. Joyner''s dowry, a legacy she couldn''t bear to leave unresolved.


    She took Noreen''s hand, her eyes pleading. "Noreen, my time is running out. I


    hope you can understand."


    In that moment, a profound sadness washed over Noreen.


    ***