As she always said, a good woman doesn''t stay single for long.


    An opportunity like this won''te again.


    So Mrs. Naylor was in a hurry.


    Fearing her hints weren''t obvious enough, she decided to be direct with Noreen.


    "Noreen, you''ve been single for a while now. If you''re open to it, would you consider our Healy?"


    "I''m so fond of you. I''ve always dreamed of having a daughter as brilliant as you, which is why I''d love for you to be part of our family. I hope you''ll think about it."


    Noreen truly had no romantic feelings for Healy.


    So she politely declined. "I''m sorry, Mrs. Naylor, but I don''t see Healy that way." "Don''t be so quick to refuse! You can just keep him on your radar for now. It''s normal for a woman to have a few options, to choose the best one."


    "Of course, Healy used to be a bit of a yer, I know he didn''t leave the best impression. But he never cheated. He always ended one rtionship before starting another."


    "And don''t you worry, if you just give the word, leave the rest to me! I''ll make sure he never does anything to wrong you! The moment you two get married, I''ll transfer all my assets to your name. That''ll keep him from having any funny ideas!"


    Seeing Mrs. Naylor getting carried away, Noreen had to interrupt. "I''m so sorry, Mrs. Naylor, but I''m still at a dinner with my employees. Could we talk about this another time?"


    "Yes, of course, of course," Mrs. Naylor agreed cheerfully.


    As long as Noreen hadn''t given her a hard no, she felt there was still a chance.


    After hanging up, Noreen breathed a sigh of relief.


    Mrs. Naylor''s enthusiasm was often a bit overwhelming.


    No sooner had she dealt with Mrs. Naylor than a message from Healy came through on WhatsApp.


    He asked when she would be back in Rivercrest City, wanting to discuss further coboration.


    It was the only excuse Healy could use.


    Whenever he tried to bring up anything else, Noreen would never reply.


    But if it was about work, she would always respond.


    Noreen frowned, staring at her phone for a few seconds before typing back, "Back


    in Rivercrest City in a week. We can schedule something then."


    Healy replied instantly, "I''m free anytime!"


    With the conversation over, Noreen put her phone away and headed back to the restaurant.


    Just as she left, Lillian emerged from a stall in the restroom, her expression sour. She had overheard the entire conversation between Noreen and Mrs. Naylor.


    She couldn''t believe Mrs. Naylor liked Noreen that much, even trying to set her up with Healy.


    She liked Healy too, but he had never given her the time of day.


    So all she could do was stand there, seething with impotent rage. Why was Noreen so popr?


    Just as Noreen returned to her table, the fireworks g began.


    She didn''t know yet that Castle arranged the fireworks show specific


    to celebrate her sess


    It wasn''t until the show started that he called her.


    "Congrattions, Miss Gilmore."


    "Thank you," Noreen replied politely.


    "I didn''t have a grand gift to offer, so


    I thought I''d give you a fireworks


    show over The Esnade. You should have a perfect view from. your restaurant."


    "Tonight, Miss Gilmore, The Esnade shines for you."


    As Castle finished speaking, the sky outside exploded with color.


    It was a magnificent sight.


    Watching the stunning fireworks, she offered Castle her sincere thanks.


    The disy was so beautiful that diners all over the restaurant got up to take pictures by the


    -ceiling windows.


    >


    All except for the group at Bianca''s table.


    They were the only ones in the entire restaurant who remained seated.


    Even so, the brilliant bursts of light from outside enveloped them.


    Yvonne yanked the curtains shut, trying to block it all out.