No amount of external turmoil could touch them. Seth''s devotion was a shield, forcing everyone to treat her with respect and silencing the malicious rumors.


    Healy Naylor and Jude Wilder were also on the guest list. When Seth and Bianca arrived, Jude gave them a friendly wave. Healy offered a curt nod before turning his attention back to Jude. Naylor Automotive Group was flourishing, and with the sessfulunch of their self-driving car, Healy had earned a seat on the board of directors. He was riding high.


    Seeing an opportunity, Bianca decided to approach him to mend their strained rtionship. As she and Seth walked over, she overheard Healy asking Jude, "Is Noreening?"


    Healy had been overseeing production at a factory out of town but had rushed back specifically for the summit, hoping to catch a glimpse of Noreen. Even if they didn''t speak, just seeing her would be enough.<fn3af8> This text is hosted at FιndＮovel</fn3af8>


    "How should I know?" Jude shrugged.


    Healy frowned. "Isn''t she your boss now? Don''t you keep tabs on your own leadership?"


    "She feels more like the dean of discipline," Jude muttered. "And no student is ever happy to see the dean."


    Healy had to concede the point. What Jude didn''t say was that he actively avoided Noreen whenever possible. She was terrifyingly strict. Since joining the Seymour Group board, she had implemented apany-wide overhaul that made life hell for ckers like him. Every report he submitted was sent back with corrections for the tiniest errors, down to a single miscedma. The thought of going to work now gave him a headache.


    Bianca had intended to make pleasant small talk, but hearing them discuss Noreen soured her mood.


    "Seth showed me the guest list earlier," she interjected coolly. "Noreen''s name wasn''t on it." She paused for effect before adding, "This kind of conference has a very high bar for entry. Not just anyone can get in."


    Though she didn''t mention Noreen by name, her meaning was perfectly clear.


    Healy''s expression chilled, but he said nothing.


    "Oh, right," Jude added, catching on. "Noreen has had a good year, but she''s not an official member of the Chamber yet. She wouldn''t be able to attend this."


    The event suddenly lost all its appeal for Healy. "Any idea when Mr. Harcourt will arrive?" he asked Seth. "I''ll say hello to him and then head out. I need to catch up on sleep."


    "I''m not sure," Seth replied. No one found this strange; the strained rtionship between the father and son was well known. Wade hadn''t even attended Seth''s engagement party.


    "I guess I''ll wait a bit longer," Healy sighed. Leaving too early would be rude.


    Hearing that Wade Harcourt was


    expected to attend, a new idea began to form in Bianca''s mind. "Seth she said "I think I should go and greet your father when he arrives." She offered a usible excuse. "There are a lot of media here. It wouldn''t look good if they started specting."


    "Alright," Seth agreed.


    Bianca felt a surge of triumph. Coming to this summit was the right move. Not only could she dispel the damaging rumors, but she could also strengthen her ties with Wade and expand herwork. It was a perfect opportunity.


    ??


    She tightened her grip on Seth''s arm, her smile radiant and confident, and together they began to mingle. With Seth''s current standing in the businessmunity, most people approached them, eager to make a connection.