"My mother is just trying to protect you. Don''t worry, once I''ve established myself in Rivercrest City''s financial world, that little mark on your record will be ancient history."


    Lillian understood, but she was still disappointed. "I know," she mumbled.


    Bianca handed her a ne, and Lillian''s mood instantly brightened. She admired it in the mirror, her spirits lifted. "When you were kidnapped, I was so scared," she chattered. "I was worried your fiancé would break up with you. I''m so d to see you two are still going strong."


    Bianca''s expression hardened. “Don''t ever bring that up again," she warned, her voice cold. "Especially not in front of Seth."


    Startled by her sharp tone, Lillian nodded quickly. "I understand."


    ***


    Rivercrest University was buzzing with activity. All of Rivercrest City''s major media outlets had gathered, some for PerseTech, others for InnoCore. As Bianca arrived, she noticed the two roadshow signs standing side-by-side at the entrance. The smile vanished from her face.


    "Get a bigger sign," she instructed her assistant, who immediately rushed off to do her bidding.


    Just as she reached the venue, Henry called to say he was on his way. Bianca was thrilled. With the entire Brooke Group behind him, Henry''s support was invaluable to PerseTech.


    A few momentster, Yvonne arrived with her entourage. A significant number of them had shown up, a clear sign of their confidence in the high-temperature superconductivity project. Yvonne personally made the introductions. These women, wives of the city''s business elite, held the keys to a vastwork of resources that could greatly benefit Bianca''s career. Many titans of industry had gotten their start through these socialite circles; their influence was not to be underestimated.


    After settling them in, Bianca went outside to wait for Seth. Just as she stepped out of Hall A, she saw Dn walking briskly toward Hall B,


    carrying a bouquet of sunflower.ne


    flicker of cold amusement crossed her face. One day, Dn would regret his choice. She would make sure of it.


    Seth hadn''t arrived yet, but Henry had. Knowing he had flown to Rivercrest City specifically to support her, Bianca greeted him warmly and invited him inside.


    "I''m waiting for someone," Henry said. "Someone very important."


    Before Bianca could ask who, Seth arrived. She hurried to meet him, her tone a yful mix ofint and affection. "What took you so long?"


    "Something came up," he exined.


    Bianca wasn''t truly upset. The roadshow hadn''t started yet, so he wasn''tte. She just wanted to see him.


    "How are the preparations?" Seth asked, his gaze sweeping over the venue.


    "Everything''s ready, but I''d love for you to take a look inside. You have more experience with this than I do."


    "Of course."


    Bianca linked her arm through his and led him into the hall. Watching them, the light in Henry''s eyes dimmed slightly, but he quickly-posed himself and pulled out his phone to call helley. Professor where are you?"


    The day before, while ying chess with Halley, he had learned that the professor was attending an IPQ roadshow at Rivercrest University. Henry had immediately assumed he wasing to support Branca