As expected, Seth didn''t press the issue. He took out his phone and nced at a WhatsApp message. As Noreen turned to leave, she heard a voice message y from his phone. It was Bianca.


    "Seth, when are you going to be done?"


    Seth replied with a voice message of his own, his previously cool tone nowced with warmth. "I just finished. I''m on my way to you now."


    Their devotion was as intense as ever.


    Just after they both left, Spencer Reed emerged from the restaurant. He immediately sent a message to Bianca. *Cousin, I just saw Mr. Harcourt with that Noreen woman. Is there something going on between them?*


    Spencer had seen Noreen at Ascendancy Group before and knew from his mother, Lana, that she and Seth had a history. Seeing them together made him worry about a rekindled romance, so he sent the message as a warning.


    Bianca replied a momentter. *You''re overthinking it. It was just a business dinner. Seth told me about it.*


    Spencer breathed a sigh of relief. *Good, as long as you know.*


    Bianca thought for a moment, then added, *PerseTech is preparing for its IPO soon. Keep a close eye on things at Ascendancy Group for me.*


    *Your business is my business,* Spencer replied instantly. *Consider it done!*


    When Seth arrived, Bianca was still workingte at PerseTech.


    “Just a minute, I have a few more documents to finish," she said without looking up from herputer.


    "Take your time," Seth replied, picking up a book from her desk and flipping through it. "Are you really going to apply for the master''s program?"


    "Of course," Bianca said, full of confidence Academician Joyner is a huge influence in the financial world. Bing his student would be a massive boost for my career." What she really coveted wasn''t the degree, but thework of resources that came with Halley.


    "So diligent."


    Bianca raised an eyebrow. "I have to be. I want to be the person who can stand shoulder to shoulder with you." Unlike Noreen, who had spent seven years as Seth''s dutiful<fn077f> Readplete version only at find~novel</fn077f>


    Secretary "W to you don''t support.. me?" she asked, tilting her head.


    "Of course I do. I''ll support you in anything you do."


    True to his word, the very next day, Seth personally escorted Bianca to Halley Joyner''s residence. She


    walked in brimming with confide


    only to find Noreen and Dn already there, deep in conversation. Dn was turned toward Noreen, and even as Seth and Bianca entered, he only gave them a cursory nod before turning his full attention back to her.


    Noreen didn''t even bother with a greeting. It didn''t seem necessary. Bianca intentionally ignored Noreen as well, but she did offer a perfunctory, "Dn, long time no see."


    "Hi," he replied coolly.


    "Well, this is strange," Halley remarked. "What brings everyone to my doorstep today?"


    "Academician Joyner," Bianca began, her tone a perfect blend of sincerity and respect, "we didn''t get a chance to speak properly at the dinner the other night. I came today to ask you for the opportunity to continue learning from you."


    "Everyone has an opportunity, Ms. Lowell," Halley said cidly. "You can apply through the university''s official website like everyone else."


    Bianca clearly had no intention of going through the lengthy application process. She shot a hopeful look at Seth.


    He smoothly picked up where she left off. "She''s quite busy with work and hasn''t had time to fully prepare. We were hoping you might make an exception, Academician Joyner."


    The words were diplomatic, but the intention was clear. Seth was trying to secure


    a guaranteed spot for Bianca.


    This time, even Noreen couldn''t remain indifferent.


    ***