Noreen''s reaction was remarkably calm. Even Yves was surprised. "You''re not shocked?" he asked. "We''re talking about Serenity Capital, from Northcrest!"


    "Why would I be?" Noreen replied with a faint smile. "He''s not going to let his fiancée''spany go under, is he?"


    Her logic was undeniable, leaving Yves with nothing to say.


    "The High-Temperature Superconductivity project is solid," Yves mused. "The business operations are just a bit messy. If Serenity Capital gets involved, they could definitely turn PerseTech around. I heard Mr. Prescott from Forestria Group was about to pull his funding, but now that he''s caught wind of this, he''s having second thoughts."


    Noreenughed. "Mr. Prescott is certainly living up to his reputation for being skittish."


    After a few more pleasantries, they said their goodbyes. Only then did Noreen turn to ire. "Come on, let''s go eat."


    ire, who had been staring at her phone, looked up and nodded, quickly typing a message.


    *Don''t you dare partner with PerseTech!* she sent.


    The reply from "Jerk Quigley" came a momentter: *?*


    Noreen had her driver, Colby, make a detour to the hospital to pick up Halley Joyner before heading to a restaurant known for its elegant desserts. Halley brought a stack of materials for Noreen, telling her they would be helpful for her grad school exams.


    When they arrived, the manager informed them that the table Noreen had reserved had been given away. As an apology, he had moved their reservation to a private room, The North Lodge, and offered them a twenty percent discount on their meal.


    Noreen didn''t mind. They were there for the food, not the view. One room was as good as another.


    Meanwhile, in The West Lodge, Seth and Bianca were hosting their own dinner. Jude Wilder had made sure to arrive early, still feeling guilty about missing theirst get-together. He''d even snuck out without telling his father.


    "Did you invite Professor Joyner too?" he asked as he sat down.


    Bianca paused. "No, why?"


    "I just saw her outside," Jude exined. "I thought maybe she wasing to this dinner."


    An idea sparked in Bianca''s mind. "Where did you see her?" she asked.


    "Over by The East Lodge."


    Bianca turned to Seth. "Seth, I''d like to go say hello to Professor Joyner." "Alright," Seth said, understanding her intent. "I''ll go with you."


    Bianca beamed. Jude, seeing them so in sync, felt a genuine happiness for his friends.


    After asking the manager for directions, Seth led Bianca to The East Lodge. When they arrived, Noreen was outside on the phone, leaving only ire and Professor Joyner in the room.


    Bianca recognized ire as Noreen''s best friend, and her expression instantly cooled. So, Noreen had invited the professor She must have used Dn Wilder as a stepping stone to get to hen What a social climber. Bianca recalled


    seeing Professor Jo


    Professor Joyner took


    annoyed with Noreen on several


    asions. Had something


    changed?


    Ignoring irepletely, Bianca addressed the professor. "Professor Joyner what a coincidence! We''re hosting a dinner for some friends mind, we be


    nearby youds


    II


    honored if you would join us.


    ire leaned back in her chair, a knowing smirk ying on her lips as she watched Bianca. Her gaze was so direct that Bianca couldn''t avoid it. Their eyes met for a fraction of a second before nca looked away, a flicker of disdain in her expression.


    ire let out a quiet scoff just as Noreen returned. The moment Bianca saw her, her face tightened.