Dn had gone to WT Business School for the start of the semester.


    But not only did he not see Noreen, he heard she had given up her chance to study abroad for love.


    At the time, he figured if that was what she wanted, he would wish her well.


    And so, for seven years, he never once disturbed her.


    It was only when Jude told him that Seth and Bianca had reunited in Glenhaven City that he rushed back.


    "Since you''re back, why not make a move?"


    "You don''t know Noreen. Pushing too hard would only backfire. It''s better to take things slow."


    Besides, he was starting to think that taking it slow wasn''t such a bad idea.


    He liked her, but she was free.


    ...


    Today was Yvonne Laurent''s moment to shine.


    Usually relegated to the fringes, she had suddenly be the center of attention at the luncheon.


    The same society wives who had once been cool toward her were now fawning over her.


    They all hoped Yvonne would bring them into her inner circle.


    Mrs. Chase was by far the most enthusiastic.


    She returned from a phone call, her voice trembling with excitement as she told Yvonne, "Mrs. Lowell, my husband just called! He said Academician Joyner is hosting a mentorship ceremony at the top of The Gilded Sands Hotel in one week!"


    "A mentorship ceremony?!" someone eximed. "Are you serious?"


    "Of course! My husband is a partner with The Gilded Sands Hotel. He just got the news."


    Yvonne was still out of the loop. "Is this ceremony significant?"


    "You don''t know? A graduate student doesn''t get a ceremony like this. They''re just a student, not a protégé. Only a personally chosen protégé gets a formal mentorship ceremony!"


    "Mrs. Lowell, your daughter is about to hit the big time!"


    "Mrs. Lowell, you have to include us in the future. We can all share resources."


    "Yes, yes! I''ve always said Miss


    Lowell is a genius. A Ph.D. in finance from abroad, a fiancé who''s a tech magnate in Rivercrest City, and now she''s Academician Joyners protégé. Her career is going to skyrocket!"


    "I say it''s all thanks to Mrs. Lowell. You raised a daughter who is not only beautiful but also brilliant. You must share your parenting secrets with us sometimer  fo


    Yvonne lost herself in the endless stream of ttery.


    She even promised everyone that she would look out for them in the future.


    Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, Yvonne''s phone rang.


    Seeing the caller ID, she beamed at the other wives. "It''s my daughter, calling with the good news."


    "Answer it, answer it!" Mrs. Chase urged.


    Yvonne picked up the phone, basking in the glory.


    But after only a few words from the other end, her expression changed. "I''ll be right there."


    "What''s wrong?" the others asked, confused.


    Yvonne said anxiously, "My daughter fainted."


    "Oh my, which hospital? We''ll go with you to visit. We didn''t have time to prepare any get-well gifts, though."


    "Don''t be silly," Yvonne said. "The thought is what counts."


    The group hurried to the hospital, afraid of missing such a prime opportunity to strengthen their connection.


    When they arrived, they ran into a group of reporters being blocked at the door.


    "Haven''t you gone too far? My cousin has copsed, and you''re still hounding her!" Lillian stood in the doorway, frantic.


    "We''re not hounding her. We''re just seeking the truth," a reporter said calmly.


    Just as Lillian was at a loss for what to do, Yvonne arrived.


    "What''s going on?" Yvonne''s face was cold and stern.


    Mrs. Chase cleared a path for her. "Make


    way, this is Bianca''s mother She needs to see her daughter on''t


    block the way."