Impressively, Katy was the youngest contestant by far. The others were mostly master''s and doctoral students from top universities.


    Noreen also ran into Jed Hollis there.


    Jed was surprised to see her and, after learning she was there to support a family member, he chatted with her for a moment.


    When he heard her family member''s name was Katy, Jed''s eyes lit up.


    "You said your family member is named Katy?"


    Noreen had rarely seen Jed so animated.


    After confirming that she was indeed with Katy, Jed grew even more excited. "I''ve been trying to meet Katy for ages, but I could never get an introduction. This is fantastic! Ms. Gilmore, I hope you can introduce us."


    Noreen knew Jed through Carman Holt, so she was well aware of his high standing in theputer science field.


    For even him to be this impressed...


    She hadn''t realized just how brilliant Katy was.


    Jed even went so far as to say the winner of thepetition was already decided.


    The result was just as he had predicted: Katy won, taking home the championship trophy.


    True to her word, Katy treated Noreen to dinner.


    However, they had an extra guest.


    Jed.


    Throughout the meal, the two of them discussed topics Noreen couldn''t quite follow, something to do withwork technology.


    As they were finishing up, Castle arrived, saying he was there to take them home.


    He sat down beside Noreen and whispered, "I''m going to need you to y along with me in a minute."


    Noreen understood immediately.


    She nced around the restaurant and, sure enough, spotted Sue sitting in a corner booth.


    Even from a distance, Noreen could feel the searing jealousy in her eyes.


    Castle''s sister-inw was truly unhinged.


    Their one encounter years ago had been more than enough to leave asting impression on Noreen.


    Worse, she had mental health


    person you just didn''t want wet


    issues, which made her the l


    Gontent


    No wonder Castle was at his wit''s end.


    Sometimes, she couldn''t understand how Mrs: Joyner, such a wonderful person could have such an extreme younger sister. w


    It seemed true what they said: the good die young, while the wicked live long.


    After dinner, Noreen naturally took Castle''s arm.


    Before they had even left the restaurant, they heard the sound of a te shattering behind them.


    Momentster, Sue chased after them. "Castle, stay away from that woman!"


    Castle''s expression darkened. "She is my fiancée," he reminded her coolly.


    "Call it off! Call it off right now! I forbid you to marry her!"


    She lunged forward, trying to tear Noreen away, but Castle''s bodyguards restrained


    her.


    Castle''s dark eyes held a chilling


    glint. "The Caldwells worked hard to out. You''d best behave


    get you


    yourself or I''ll have you sent right back."


    Sue''s face paled, and she stopped shouting. The bodyguards forcibly escorted her


    to a car.


    As Sue red at them from the car, Noreen reached up and smoothly adjusted Castle''s tie.


    Castle looked down at her.


    Her eyes sparkled with a smile as she murmured something to him.


    It was a picture of pure devotion.


    Inside the car, Sue was practically mad with jealousy, pounding helplessly on the window.


    And Seth saw it all.


    He had rushed all the way from Rivercrest City to Harborview City, a long and weary journey.


    And this was the scene that greeted him.


    She was so beautiful when she smiled.


    But she wasn''t smiling at him.