Jude''s reaction was exactly what Bianca had hoped for.


    "Noreen? Applying to grad school? To *Professor Joyner''s* program? Are you serious?" he eximed, his face a mask of disbelief. "Has shepletely lost her mind?"


    He had to admit, Noreen had proven herself to be surprisingly capable since leaving Aurelion Group, constantly defying his expectations. But ability and academic pedigree were two entirely different things. And Professor Joyner''s program was notoriously, brutallypetitive.


    Noreen was getting way ahead of herself.


    Jude shot a bewildered look at Seth, expecting some sort of reaction. But Seth remained impassive,pletely uninterested in Noreen''s endeavors. He didn''t seem to have an opinion one way or another. Of course, Jude reasoned, with his fiancée right there, he had to be considerate of her feelings. Besides, he''d always been cold to Noreen. Now that he had Bianca, Noreen was ancient history.


    Jude pursed his lips. This whole thing was going to end in a train wreck for Noreen. He''d have to mention it to his father, who had recently developed an annoying habit of praising her.


    Bianca watched Jude''s reaction, a silent, triumphant smile touching her lips as she took a sip of tea. It wasn''t just her-everyone thought Noreen was delusional. Some things couldn''t be achieved with sheer audacity and a few lucky breaks.


    ***


    When the performance ended, both dinner parties began to wind down. Jude, who hadn''t been out in a while, was still eager for more. "Anyone up for another round somewhere else?" he asked.


    Bianca was about to agree for herself and Seth when Dn stood up. "I''ve got something to take care of, so I''m going to head out. You guys have fun."


    At his words, Bianca''s expression soured. Though she hadn''t spoken to him all night, she had been watching him. He''d been distracted and distant,pletely ignoring her. And now he was leaving early. No doubt to find Noreen. Was he so impatient that he couldn''t even pretend anymore?


    The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth But then she looked up and met Seth''s gaze and the sting annoyance faded.


    Seth also turned down Jude''s offer. "We have other ns. You guys go ahead." "Hey,e on..." Jude grumbled. "Fine, go be romantic. Healy, you''re with me!"


    "Sorry, buddy," Healy said, patting his shoulder. "You may not have a date, but I do."


    Jude was left speechless.


    As they were leaving, they ran into Noreen''s party, who were also on their way out.


    Dn walked right up to them. "Professor. Noreen."


    Noreen looked surprised. "You were having dinner here too?"


    "Yeah, I saw y


    earlier," Dn admitted. "I was going toe say but you were so absorbed in your book, I didn''t want to interrupt."


    ire raised an eyebrow. "Paying that close attention, are we?" Dn didn''t deny it.


    Bianca and Seth walked straight past them without a word. Jude, however, felt obligated to offer an awkward greeting to Noreen, who gave him a slight nod in return. As he passed, he couldn''t help but


    notice the stack of study materials she was carr Good grief, she


    was serious. The woman was


    unbelievably stubborn. Wasn''t she afraid of the spectacr humiliation she was setting herself up for when she inevitably failed?