Healy couldn''t refute Noreen''s usation.


    Years ago, after Seth had donated bone marrow for Rosalind, Noreen had sought Seth out to thank him.


    Healy and Jude had been there, so they knew Noreen had offered herself to Seth.


    They also knew that Seth had rejected her.


    Growing up, their circle had seen countless women use any means necessary to climb the socialdder, so they automatically categorized Noreen as another social climber.


    They had mocked her endlessly behind her back.


    Later, Seth was drugged by someone else.


    When Noreen heard, she rushed over immediately, intending to take him to the hospital. But the perpetrator had called the press.


    Forced, Noreen had to stay at the hotel. She called both Jude and Healy for help, hoping they could find a way to discreetly get Seth out of there.


    They dide.


    But by the time they arrived, it was the next morning.


    Noreen and Seth had already crossed a line.


    Seth was still groggy from the drug''s effects.


    Noreen asked Jude and Healy to take Seth to the hospital for a check-up, telling them he had been drugged.


    She herself, enduring the pain, rushed back to school.


    Because of this, they both assumed Noreen was the one who had drugged him, and they looked down on her for it.


    Healy wanted to apologize, but his throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, tight and heavy.


    It was toote.


    Noreen didn''t need it anymore.


    He recognized this reality, and all that was left was regret.


    Watching her walk away coldly, Healy''s face burned.


    It felt as if Noreen''s p hadnded on his own cheek.


    The incident hadpletely ruined Noreen''s mood for the wedding.


    She returned to the banquet hall and told Wilbur she was leaving.


    When Wilbur heard she was going, he didn''t want to stay either, so he took Noreen to say a quick goodbye to Dn.


    When they approached, Crystal wasforting the bridesmaid Noreen had pped.


    Seeing them, she quickly walked over.


    Just as she arrived, she heard Noreen say she had to leave early.


    Crystal immediately put on a reluctant expression, trying to persuade her to stay. "Why are you leaving already? The wedding hasn''t officially started yet. was hoping you could witness the happiest moment for Dn and me.


    "There are so many people here. I''m sure I won''t be missed."


    After what had just happened, whatever little goodwill Noreen had for Crystal hadpletely vanished.


    To be Crystal''s bridesmaid meant they were close.


    It was likely they had privately shared those same malicious words many times.


    Crystal''s smile stiffened. "It''s not the same I dont have many friends i


    Oercrest City ve always thought


    as a friend, like family."


    "Is that so? Then why didn''t you ask my friend here to be a bridesmaid?" Wilbur always knew how to find the weak spot.


    Crystal''s smile was on the verge of cracking. "I saw how busy she is. I was afraid she wouldn''t have the time."


    "That''s right. She does have things to do, which is why she''s leaving early. Is there a problem?" Wilbur said with a look of utter confusion.


    Crystal was speechless.


    Finally, Dn stepped in to save her. "Work is important."


    Crystal''s expression rxed. "Alright


    then. We can get together some other time. I''ll be living in Rivercrest City with Dn from now on, so we''ll have plenty of opportunities to meet."


    After saying their goodbyes, Noreen and Wilbur left.


    Crystal watched them go, then turned to Dn with an innocent look. "Did I do something wrong? Is that why Noreen left early?"


    Dn''s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. After a pause, he advised her, "You should spend less time with those friends of yours in the future."


    Crystal''s expression froze for a moment before she smiled again. "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    Noreen went home early, her mood soured. But her spirits lifted the moment she saw ire.