Everyone loves gossip, even the rich and powerful. Noreen and Seth''s past was hardly a secret in their circle, and everyone present was wondering what his appearance here meant.


    Healy and Jude were no exception.


    Mrs. Naylor, especially anxious, hurried over to Healy and asked in a hushed voice, "Why is Seth here? Don''t tell me he''s nning to get back together with Noreen."


    Healy''s expression darkened, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on his ss. "I doubt it."


    But his tonecked conviction.


    It wasn''t surprising that Mrs. Naylor-and many others thought that way. Seth and Bianca''s rtionship had been very public. Now that Bianca was in jail with no way out, it was only logical for Seth to cut his losses and end the engagement. And with Noreen being so sessful now, the possibility of Seth wanting her back wasn''t out of the question.


    In the world of adults, every decision is a calction of pros and cons. As a businessman, Seth understood those rules better than anyone.


    Mrs. Naylor frowned, her eyes fixed on Seth. Even Healy held his breath, a knot of tension forming in his stomach.


    Seth had arrived with Hugh Summers, and his eyes found Noreen the moment he entered. He walked directly toward her without hesitation. The buzz of conversation in the ballroom died down as all eyes turned to them.


    Noreen stood her ground, her smile warm but maintaining a distinct professional boundary. Even upon seeing Seth, her expression didn''t change.


    Although she hadn''t invited him, a guest was a guest. Noreen greeted him politely.


    "Thank you for gracing Winrich''s g with your presence, Mr. Harcourt."


    Her tone was polite but far from warm.


    Seth shook her hand, but their touch was brief, formal, and courteous. "Congrattions, Ms. Gilmore. You''ve achieved your goal."


    "Thank you," Noreen replied with a faint smile.


    Their interaction was fleeting. After thanking him, Noreen shifted her attention to Hugh Summers, who hade over with Seth.


    "Thank you foring, Mr. Summers."


    "The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Gilmore. It''s an honor to attend Winrich''s celebration."


    Even Hugh Summers chatted with Noreen for longer than Seth had. Seth didn''t linger; he walked away while the other two were still talking.


    Mrs. Naylor let out a sigh of relief. It seemed she had been overthinking things At the same time, she didn''t forget to nudge Healy. "You need to hurry up."


    Healy looked helpless. "How am I supposed to hurry this kind of thing up?"


    Mrs. Naylor stamped her foot in frustration. Just keep procrastinating! Let me tell you, half the mothers in my circle have ther eyes on Noreen. They''d marry her to their sons in a heartbeat. If you wait too long, you''ll be the one crying!"


    It wasn''t that Healy wasn''t anxious. But Noreen never gave him an opening. He was frustrated, too.


    Spurred on by his mother''s warning, Healy once again looked for an opportunity to approach Noreen, even if it was just to make his presence known.


    But he had barely managed to say two words to her before Padgette Novak arrived. Seeing the way Padgett looked at Noreen as they spoke the smile on Healy''s faces slowly faded.


    Padgett made no effort to hide his admiration and interest in Noreen. Anyone could see what he was thinking.


    Healy unconsciously pressed his lips together.


    From a distance, Carman Holt watched the scene unfold, an indescribable sense of loss filling his heart.