Seth had booked a table at a scenic restaurant, a trendy spot in Glenhaven City perfect for photos.


    Normally, Lillian would have been snapping pictures for her social media to show off.


    But today, the mood was heavy, and no one was in the mood to appreciate the beautiful view.


    The waiter approached their table apologetically. "Mr. Harcourt, I''m very sorry, but there''s been a change to your reservation. We''ve moved you to another window table on the other side. The view is actually better there, it''s the best spot to watch the fireworks. Aspensation, we''d like to offer you twoplimentary dishes. Is that eptable?"


    Before Seth could reply, Lillian grumbled, "Isn''t two dishes a little cheap? What if there''s no fireworks g tonight?"


    The waiter maintained a professional smile. "That''s why I said you''re all very lucky today. You''vee on the night of the fireworks g. It''s being put on by Mr. Castle, a very prominent figure in Glenhaven City, for his friend, Miss Gilmore. I hear it''s going to be a massive disy, really worth seeing! That''s why our restaurant is so busy tonight. We appreciate your understanding."


    Bianca''s eyes grew cold, and she pressed her lips into a thin line.


    Yvonne shot a harsh re at the talkative Lillian.


    Lillian pped her own mouth lightly, regretting her big mouth.


    Seth turned to Bianca. "Do you want to go to a different restaurant?" "No, this is fine."


    She tried her best to appear calm, but only she knew the turmoil raging inside her.


    The restaurant kept its promise and sent over two extra dishes, but no one had an appetite.


    The somber mood at their table was a stark contrast to the lively, elegant atmosphere of the restaurant.


    Lillian picked at the gourmet food, which she rarely had the chance to eat, but it tasted like ash in her mouth.


    Just as she was about to excuse herself to the restroom for a breather, arge group of people entered the restaurant, theirughter and excited chatter filling the air. Every one of them was beaming with joy.


    Sophia, leading the way, announced to the group, "Tonight''s on Noreen! Order whatever you want, don''t hold back!"


    The group erupted in apuse.


    "Hooray for Noreen!"


    Sophia held up a hand to quiet them down. "That''s not all! Noreen has also booked


    a week-long cruise for everyone! So keep the party going!"


    "Woohoo! All hail Noreen!"


    If the restaurant wasn''t so packed, they would have lifted Noreen onto their


    shoulders and paraded her around the room.


    "Alright, alright, let''s find our seats. All the tables in this section are for us!" Sophia directed.


    The group began to settle down at various tables.


    Lillian''s sharp eyes noticed that the


    table Seth had originally book


    been given to Noreen''s group!


    That just made her angrier.


    bad


    Shepletely lost her appetite. Not even the finest food could tempt her now.


    "I''m going to the restroom," she announced, standing up.


    Themotion from Noreen''s party was hard to ignore. Bianca and Yvonne couldn''t help but notice.


    Bianca''s gaze turned icy, and her mood sank to the depths of despair.


    The rest of the meal was tasteless.


    Noreen, on the other hand, was experiencing the exact opposite.


    Ever since the approval notice was posted, her phone hadn''t stopped ringing.


    Calls of congrattions, proposals for partnerships—it was endless.


    She had barely sat down for two minutes and had already taken two calls.


    The food Sophia had put on her te had gone cold.


    "Noreen, please, just eat something!"


    Just as Noreen agreed, her phone rang again.


    "If you have to, just turn your phone off."


    Noreen sighed helplessly, ncing at the caller ID. "I have to take this one."


    Sophia looked even more exasperated.


    "You guys eat first, don''t wait for me."


    Noreen took her phone and headed to the restroom.


    The call was from Mrs. Naylor.


    As soon as Noreen answered, Mrs. Naylorunched into a stream of congrattions, saying she knew from the moment she met her that them Noreen was a smart talented businesswoman destined for sess.


    Noreen was almost embarrassed by the praise.


    "Noreen,


    arou should mentor our


    Healy more in the future. You''re both


    around the same age, you mu


    elbet


    have a lot inmon content


    Mrs. Naylor was even more anxious than Healy.


    That''s why she had called so eagerly, wanting to test the waters with Noreen.