"The risk is high, but so is the reward. Isn''t that how Seth built Aurelion Group into what it is today? If he can do it, so can I!"


    It was the age-old principle of business. Fortune favors the bold, a truth that has stood the test of time.


    Yvonne was convinced.


    Friday was the annual Rivercrest City Financial Summit, a major event in the financial world.


    Noreen had received her invitation early and had specifically asked Sophia to clear her schedule for the day.


    This year''s summit was hosted by Padgett Novak.


    It was the first time they had seen each other in a month. In truth, Padgett had often wanted to find an excuse to see Noreen, but they were both incredibly busy.


    Over the past month, Padgett had been traveling across the country, studying economic development models for Rivercrest City, while also juggling preparations for the summit. He was stretched thin.


    Noreen''s schedule was no better. With several key projects in motion and new ones to evaluate, she spent a third of the month on business trips.


    Their paths rarely crossed, and since they moved in different circles, opportunities to meet were even rarer.


    Still, Padgett kept a close eye on Noreen''s endeavors.


    When they met, he immediately asked about The Chronos Gallery.


    "I was in Northcrest for a meetingst week, and the higher-ups specifically mentioned The Chronos Gallery as a major contributor to the preservation and promotion of our national culture!"


    "I''ve seen the trailer—it already has two hundred million views! An outstanding achievement!"


    Like InnoCore, The Chronos Gallery was a source of great pride for Noreen. "Thank you for the encouragement, Director Novak. We''ll continue to do our best!"


    Padgett had hoped to chat a little longer, but someone came looking for him, and their conversation was cut short.


    Noreen then made her way into the summit hall.


    The seating was pre-arranged by the organizers. Noreen''s seat was in the front row, right in the center-the undeniable prime position. >


    What she was less pleased about was that Seth''s seat was right next to hers.


    In such a situation, however, one couldn''t show their dissatisfaction. So, Noreen walked over gracefully and took her seat.


    Bianca had arrived before Seth today. At the entrance, she ran into Henry.


    She opened her mouth, about to call his name, but Henry walked straight past her without so much. nce in her direction.


    Bianca''s smile faded, and her eyes grew cold.


    "Miss Lowell."


    Wilbur''s appearance lifted Bianca''s spirits.


    "Mr. Wilbur, you''re attending the summit too?"


    "I happened to be in Rivercrest City, so I thought I''d drop by. I didn''t expect to run


    into you, Miss Lowell."


    "It seems we''re destined to meet."


    A suggestive smile yed on Wilbur''s lips.


    Bianca, an expert at handling men like him, tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and asked, "I''ve already met the condition you set. When will your investment funds arrive, Mr. Wilbur?"


    "You''re remarkably efficient, Miss Lowell," Wilbur said, his admiration unconcealed.


    In just two days, Bianca had fulfilled his condition, raising one and a half billion in funds from other sources.


    As promised, Wilbur would invest five times that amount before PerseTech''s IPO.


    A staggering seven and a half billion!


    It was more than enough to solve all her current problems.


    "I''ll take that as apliment, Mr. Wilbur."


    They chatted for a while before Wilbur checked the time and reminded her that it


    was time to enter the hall.