The money arrived that same day, and they paid the fine just before the deadline.


    When Spencer was released, he was covered in bruises.


    He was also terrified.


    "Why did they beat him up?" Lana was heartbroken, fetching a first-aid kit to treat his wounds.


    Everyone''s attention was on Spencer. No one noticed that Bianca was in lower spirits than usual that evening.


    It had been a week.


    A full week.


    Seth hadn''t sent her a single text or made a single phone call.


    "I''m a little tired. I''m going to my room to rest," Bianca said, retiring early. She had just finished her shower and was about to get into bed.


    Seth called.


    The next day, Bianca was up bright and early. She came downstairs, looking morous and radiant, and cheerfully wished everyone a good morning.


    Lillian hadn''t seen her this happy in a long time.


    A thought struck her, and she asked, "Is my brother-inw back from his trip?"


    "He is! How did you know?"


    "It''s written all over your face," Lillian teased.


    A sweet smile spread across Bianca''s face. "I''ll skip breakfast. Seth ising to pick me up, and we''ll eat together."


    Yvonne nodded. "Go ahead."


    As soon as she left, Lana said to Yvonne, "It seems like there''s nothing wrong with their rtionship. Seth really does care about Bianca."


    "Mm," Yvonne agreed, the heavy weight in her heart finally lifting.


    "These past few days, when we couldn''t borrow the money, my heart was in my throat. I was about to beg you to go ask him," Lana said, rxing and speaking without thinking.


    She immediately realized her mistake and looked at Yvonne cautiously.


    Yvonne''s expression had indeed changed.


    Terrified, Lana quickly apologized. "I misspoke."


    Luckily, Lillian had gone to the kitchen and hadn''t heard.


    After picking up Bianca, Seth took her to their usual breakfast spot.


    As soon as she sat down, Seth handed her a gift.


    Judging by the size of the box, it was likely jewelry.


    Bianca''s heart leaped.


    Could it be that ruby set?


    Out of courtesy, however, she didn''t open it right away.


    During their meal, they ran into an acquaintance, Yves Selwyn from Monarch Capital.


    He came over specifically to ask Seth,


    Do you Harcourt, we go way back.


    Do you think you could pull some strings and get me an invitation to Academician Joyner''s banquet?"


    Bianca''s mind was on the gift Seth had just given her, so she wasn''t paying close attention. She asked absently, "What banquet is it that” even Mr. Selwyn can''t get an invitation to?"


    "You don''t know? It''s Academician


    Joyner''s banquet! A me


    ceremony. I hear he''s taken


    new protéger Yves said excitedly.


    Bianca''s face fell instantly. She looked extremely ufortable.


    The news of Academician Joyner taking on a new protégé was a huge deal in the financial world.


    But the guest list was extremely exclusive, and most people couldn''t get an invitation.


    That''s why Yves was hoping Seth could help him out.


    The public only knew that Academician Joyner was epting a protégé; they didn''t know who it was.


    If Yves had known it was Noreen, he would never have asked Seth for help in front of Bianca.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t receive an invitation either," Seth replied politely.


    Yves was stunned. "Even you didn''t get an invitation? That can''t be right!"


    Seth was simply stating a fact and offered no exnation.


    In the end, Yves had to give up and said his goodbyes.


    The encounter ruined Bianca''s appetite.


    After the mentorship ceremony, Noreen''s rise would be... unstoppable.