So, what her mentor had said was true. The situation was far more serious than anyone had imagined.


    No wonder Seth had said what he did.


    We won''t meet again.


    The words echoed in Noreen''s mind.


    A strange sense of mncholy washed over her.


    To think that in the end, they would truly never cross paths again.


    Dn''s wedding was set for thest day of the month. Noreen went with Wilbur.


    As soon as they entered, they saw Dn and Crystal greeting guests at the door.


    They had been standing side by side, but when Crystal saw Noreen, she suddenly linked her arm through Dn''s, an intimate gesture.


    Noreen didn''t notice the detail. She and Wilbur walked over to offer their gifts and congrattions.


    Crystal spoke to Noreen warmly. "I was worried you''d be too busy with work toe."


    "I promised I''d be here, so of course I wouldn''t break my word. Congrattions on your marriage." Noreen gave her a polite, brief hug.


    Crystal seemed pleased. "Thank you. Dn told me you''ve been single for over a year. Why don''t you consider dating? You might meet your soulmate, maybe even have a whirlwind romance and get married like Seth and I did."


    Before Noreen could reply, Wilbur cut in. "I have to disagree with that. Is love really that useful? A man would only slow down her money-making speed!"


    Crystal''s smile froze for a second.


    She probably hadn''t expected Wilbur to be so blunt.


    But given his status, she didn''t dare say much and could only manage an awkwardugh.


    After a brief exchange, Noreen and Wilbur went into the banquet hall.


    Dn didn''t make eye contact with Noreen the entire time.


    Healy Naylor and Jude were the best men for the wedding.


    They had been helping greet guests together, but when Healy saw Noreen, he dumped all his duties on Jude.


    He made a beeline straight for Noreen.


    Jude could only curse him under his breath for prioritizing a girl over his friend.


    "Noreen, Happy New Year."


    Healy was clearly just trying to make conversation.


    The New Year''s holiday period was almost over, and he was still saying "Happy New Year."


    "You too."


    Although Noreen''s tone wasn''t as enthusiastic as his, just a polite response, Healy was still happy.


    He even found another topic


    himself. "I should be wrapping up my work at the factory around July and heading back to Rivercrest City. I''ll be directly responsible for the partnership between Innocore and Naylor Automotive Group then."


    This was an opportunity Healy had fought hard for at the Naylor Automotive Group''s board meeting. Even though it was still five months away, he couldn''t wait to share the news with Noreen.


    But Noreen replied, "That''s fine. You can coordinate directly with Mr.


    in charge


    Summers then. He''s in charge of the between


    entire coboration between


    InnoCore and Naylor Automotive


    Group."


    Healy''s expression faltered. "Weren''t you in charge of it before?"


    "I''ve been busy with a new projecttely. I was worried I might neglect the


    coboration, so I assigned it to someone else."


    Healy was speechless.


    How was he a step toote again?


    Well, once he was back in Rivercrest City, there would be other opportunities.


    Healyforted himself with that thought.


    After all, his two biggest rivals were out of the picture now. He had plenty of chances.


    Thinking this, Healy''s mood lifted. He enthusiastically brought Noreen some desserts, pointing out which ones were good and which to avoid.


    He was incredibly attentive.


    Finally, he was called back to his duties as a best man, and Noreen''s ears were quiet atst.


    She went to the restroom. On her way out, she saw four women in bridesmaid dresses chatting in the hallway.


    When one of them saw her, she let out a disdainful scoff.