Healy had expected her rejection, but it still left him feeling a bit down. Ending the call, he looked dejectedly at his mother, Mrs. Naylor, who was watching him with anticipation. "She said no."


    Mrs. Naylor rolled her eyes at him. "Useless! All you have is a reputation as a yboy, and for what?"


    "That''s probably why she wants nothing to do with me," Healy sighed.


    "Well, you brought that on yourself! A man who doesn''t respect himself is like stale bread. Who would want that?"


    Healy said nothing. He was used to his mother''s unfiltered criticisms.


    In the end, Mrs. Naylor took matters into her own hands. She called Noreen, iming she had some business questions and needed to consult her in person. Since Mrs. Naylor had not only attended InnoCore''s presentation at Rivercrest University but had also introduced her to many influential people, Noreen couldn''t refuse, even though she suspected her true motives.


    She made a quick stop at a department store to buy a nice pen as a birthday gift before heading to the location Mrs. Naylor had given her. When she saw the name of the club, she frowned instinctively. Why here of all ces?


    But she was already here, and she couldn''t just stand them up. Steeling herself, Noreen went inside and found the private room. There were already people there, but she ignored them and addressed Healy directly. "Where''s Mrs. Naylor?"


    "My mom had to leave for an urgent matter," Healy recited the line his mother had prepared for him. "Since you''re here, why not stay for a drink?"


    "I drove, so I won''t be drinking. This is for you. Happy birthday." Noreen handed him the gift and turned to leave.


    "You could have some juice," he said, a hint of desperation in his voice.


    "No, thank you. You all have fun." With that, Noreen left, giving him no chance to say another word.


    Honestly, Healy feltpletely defeated. He''d dated plenty of women and considered himself experienced in the art of pursuit, but his usual, foolproof methods were, utterly useless on Noreen. It felt like he didn''t stand a chance.


    Healy chased after her, insisting on walking her out. It was still early, so the club''s hallway was quiet. The doo to one of the private rooms was ajar and voices drifted out.


    "Mom, you need to remember that the only reason you got out of that mess was because my brother-inw pulled some strings. We have to thank him properly."


    It was Lillian''s voice. She had booked the room to celebrate Lana''s release.


    Lana chimed in, "Of course, of course. I''ve caused Seth so much trouble again. Bianca, please thank him for me."


    "We''re family. Don''t be so formal," Bianca replied.


    "Exactly," Lillian said smugly. "You don''t need to be so polite with him. Your situation was tricky, but oncez my cousin and brother-inw spoke up, he handled it, no matter how difficult. It just shows how much h? cares about you, Bianca. Your rtionship is enviable!"


    Bianca''s face glowed with happiness.


    Spencer Reed took the opportunity to chime in. "Cousin, could you ask my brother-inw to promote me? Maybe to a director or something, so I have a bit of status?"


    "Sure, I''ll mention it to Seth," Bianca agreed easily.


    Seeing her chance, Lana added, "Bianca, now that Lillian is back, could you find a respectable job for her too?"


    "That''s easy enough, but we should wait until after PerseTech goes public," Bianca replied.


    Lillian''s curiosity was piqued. "Is your brother-inw nning to marry you after the IPO?"