Hugh Summers could afford to disrespect Bianca, but he had to show Seth face. So, in the blink of an eye, his expression changed to one of fawning apology. "Oh, my apologies, Mr. Harcourt! I honestly had no idea you were back. A terrible oversight on my part."


    He then bustled around, arranging a seat for him while profusely apologizing.


    Seth didn''t make a big deal of it, taking a seat next to Hugh with Bianca by his side.


    Everyone at the table was sharp enough to understand Seth''s intentions in bringing Bianca to this dinner. Perhaps buoyed by Seth''s support, Bianca''s arrogant demeanor returned. She didn''t even spare Noreen a single nce, treating her as if she were invisible.


    Of course, Noreen had no time to look at her either.


    While Hugh was busy schmoozing with Seth, others were whispering amongst themselves.


    "Mr. Harcourt must really be in love with this Miss Lowell. To still be backing her up in a situation like this... it''s almost like seeing true love in times of trouble."


    The person next to him scoffed. "True love? More like he''s been blinded by her looks!"


    Perhaps their whispers were too loud, because Bianca shot them a cold re. They quickly shut up.


    Noreen wasn''t interested in their rtionship drama. She was trying to figure out Seth''s real purpose for being here. If she wasn''t mistaken, he was nning to salvage PerseTech and prepare for another attempt at going public. After all, he had already invested so much money. If he gave up now, it would all be for nothing. Given Bianca''s current reputation, attracting new investors would be next to impossible. That''s why Seth had to step in himself.


    Yes, she could see it now. It really was true love. Seth would truly do anything for Bianca.


    Just as Noreen was silently scoffing, another person arrived at the dinner: Henry Brooke.


    Henry had the Brooke Group behind him, so of course, Hugh Summers had to wee him. After some rearranging, Henry was seated next to Noreen.


    Noreen didn''t look at him.


    Before sitting down, Henry formally greeted her. "Senior."


    Then he took his seat beside her, a picture of propriety.


    When Henry appeared, Bianca''s heart skipped a beat. She rxed slightly when she saw that he wasn''t looking at her After Henry


    relentless grilling at the financial summit, Bianca now felt a subconscious fear whenever she saw him.


    Henry ignored her, his attention focused entirely on Noreen. This made Bianca feel


    a pang of bitterness. There was a time when he only looked at her that way.


    As she was lost in thought, Henry''s gaze shifted and met hers.


    Bianca tensed up. She forced a faint smile, just like she used to. But this time, when Henry saw her smile, his eyes narrowed, and a chilling,


    dangerous grin spread


    face.


    Bianca had a bad feeling.


    ross his


    The next moment, Henry spoke, his words shattering the harmony of the dinner


    party.


    "Miss Lowell, why haven''t you apologized to Ms. Gilmore yet?"


    "Did you forget?"


    "Or did you just never n on apologizing?"


    Bianca''s face went white. She never imagined Henry would call her out so publicly.


    The moment Henry spoke, the entire room fell silent. Seth, who had been talking to Hugh Summers, stopped mid sentence. His gaze shot acto?S the table,nding on Henry''s face. His expression was unreadable, like the calm before a violent storm. Cóntent