Compared to this, Noreen''s small victories were utterly insignificant.


    A week before the graduate school admission results were to be officially released, Halley returned from his academic conference. Noreen canceled her evening ns to workte and instead went to Dr. Wilder''s clinic to pick up Halley''s fourth round of medication. The stubborn old man would never remember to take it unless it was delivered directly into his hands.


    As she got out of the car, she told Colby, "I''ll just be a minute. I''m dropping this off anding right back."


    Noreen walked up to the house and was greeted by the housekeeper. "Oh, Miss Gilmore," she said warmly. "Professor Joyner is out for a walk. He should be back in a little while. Please,e in and have a seat."


    "That''s alright, I just came to drop this off," Noreen said, handing over the package. "Please make sure he takes it on time."


    "Of course."


    Noreen left without even stepping inside. The housekeeper took the package back into the living room, where Henry was sitting and sipping tea. He nced at the package in her hand, a flicker of contempt in his eyes. *So this is how she wins people over,* he thought, his disdain for Noreen growing.


    A short whileter, Halley returned. "Professor," Henry said, standing to greet him.


    "Ah, Henry. How long have you been here?" Halley asked, his hands sped behind his back.


    "Not long."


    "Your father called mest night," Halley said with a nod. "He wanted me to introduce you to Miss Gilmore from Winrich. I had to decline. I''ve been too busytely."


    "It''s fine," Henry replied. He had no desire to meet her anyway. He was here for another reason.


    "I was at Rivercrest Universityst week and spoke with Professor Selwyn. He mentioned you''ve already selected your preferred candidate for this year''s Ph.D. program?"


    "Yes," Halley confirmed, his tone indicating he was very pleased with his choice.


    Just then, Professor Selwyn happened to call, and Halley gave him an instruction. "On Monday, have Biancae to the university."


    *He''s meeting his new student early?* Henry thought, his heart swelling with happiness for Bianca. After teaving Halley''s house, he'' immediately sent a series of texts to her


    "Just left Professor Joyner''s house. He wants to see you on Monday."


    "Congrattions, Bianca!"


    "Once you''re officially his student, I have something very important to tell you!"


    Intrigued, Bianca replied, "Why do you have to wait until then?"


    "Because the timing will be perfect," he wrote back.


    Bianca politely let the matter drop and brought up something else. "I forgot to invite Padgett Novak when was at the city council meeting th other day remember you now him quite well. Do you think you could


    invite him to my party?"


    Henry readily agreed and immediately called Padgett Novak to extend the invitation.


    "Is it an official event?" Padgett asked.


    "No, it''s a small, private party, mostly for friends."


    "Then I''m afraid it wouldn''t be appropriate for me to attend."


    Henry knew Padgett was a man of principle and wouldn''t be swayed, so he didn''t press the issue.


    Seth returned to Rivercrest City the night before Bianca''s party. She went to the airport to pick him up personally.


    "What are you doing here sote?" Seth asked, looking surprised to see her.


    "I wanted to see you as soon as possible. Aren''t you happy to see me?"


    "No, it''s not that," he said, shaking his head. As he handed his suitcase to his assistant, his expression hardened for a split second.


    On the drive back, their car passed an ice cream shop. Bianca suddenly called out to the driver to stop, then turned to Seth with a smile. "Seth, I''m craving ice cream. I don''t know why, but for the past two days, I''ve hau this intense craving for something cold."