Her statement left Hugh feeling a bit awkward, as he finally understood the subtle nuance in Noreen''s expression earlier. The other guests exchanged knowing nces. Regardless of their personal feelings, they were all here to support Bianca. Even if she had a history of negative press and failed projects, as long as Seth was willing to back her, they would turn a blind eye. Even Mr. Prescott, who had bailed on her twice before, was in attendance.


    That''s why Hugh had remarked on Seth''s devotion. The level of trust and support he showed Bianca was something few of the CEOS present could im to offer anyone.


    Bianca, for her part, showed no resentment towards Mr. Prescott for his previous kiness, even extending a gracious invitation. She was sending a clear message: as long as Seth was by her side, Bianca Lowell would never fall.


    She raised her ss, acting as the perfect hostess, and weed her guests. Nearly every major yer in Rivercrest City''s business world was gathered in that room, and news of the event spread quickly.


    A short whileter, Noreen saw a photo from the lunch on a CEO''s social media feed. They had even given the gathering a name: The Golden G. A y on Bianca and Seth''s names. It was a clever, romantic touch, the kind of thing that made people ship them instantly.


    Before closing the app, Noreen noticed that Seth had ''liked'' the post. He was clearly pleased with the couple name.


    It was a good thing she hadn''t deleted him after they''d added each other on WhatsApp for work. Otherwise, she would have missed out on such fresh drama.


    A silent smile yed on her lips, and she seemed to be in a good mood. Padgett noticed and asked curiously, "What''s so amusing?"


    "Nothing." She could hardly tell him she was shipping her ex-boyfriend with his new fiancée.


    Padgett, ever the gentleman, didn''t press the issue. Instead, he began recounting a funny story from his inspection tour of the countrysidest week. He was a gifted storyteller, and his witty, vivid ount soon had Noreenughing again.


    The meal was thoroughly enjoyable.


    Mrs. Naylor, doing her routine inspection of the restaurant, spotted Noreen and was about to go over and say hello. But when she noticed the handsome young man sitting opposite her, she stopped. She immediately dialed Healy''s number.


    Healy was in a meeting. "Mom, I''m busy. Can we talkter?" he said curtly.


    "By the time you call back, you''ll be getting a wedding invitation from Noreen!" Mrs. Naylor retorted.


    Healy was confused. "???" He


    stepped out of the workshop into a


    quieter are What are you talking about? What weddings Noreen getting married?"


    "If you don''t get a move on, you''ll be drinking a toast at her wedding."


    Healy let out a breath of relief. "Mom, you scared me. What''s going on?"


    "I sent you a picture on WhatsApp. See for yourself." With that, Mrs. Naylor hung


    up.


    Healy quickly opened WhatsApp and


    saw the photo. It was a


    wellposed shot, with a


    romantic, almost cinematic quality. He could see why his mother was rmed even he had to admit they looked like a couple in love.


    He thought for a moment, then sent the photo to their private group chat, specifically tagging Seth.


    "Are Noreen and Padgett Novak a thing?"


    To his surprise, the first person to reply was Dn, who rarely ever posted.


    "They''re probably just talking business."


    Then Jude chimed in. "It doesn''t look like just business to me. But hey, it''s normal


    if they are. They''re both single."


    Seth was thest to respond. "Yeah, normal."


    His detached attitude sent a ripple of silent understanding through the group. Seth. he really didn''t care about Noreen at all. It was as if the years they had spent together meant nothing. <fn861f> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel</fn861f>