His promise to share his glory with her wasn''t a lie. It had always been part of his n.


    Later on, as he began to set his revenge n in motion, he orchestrated a meeting with Bianca. At the wee party he threw for her, Sophia hadined on Bianca''s behalf, mentioning that she had developed a severe stomach condition from all the business dinners.


    That very night, Seth went to the restaurant and learned how to make a soup that was easy on the stomach. He gradually learned other restorative soups as well, finding all sorts of ways to cook for Noreen. It took a long time, but he eventually nursed her stomach back to health.


    After that, he counted the days, knowing his time before prison was short. He demanded that Sophia learn every single one of Noreen''s favorite dishes, worried that her now-spoiled pte wouldn''t be able to handle anyone else''s cooking.


    Jude was tempted to try the soup, but Seth stopped him. "Order your own food."


    "You made so much! What''s the harm in letting me have one bowl?" Jude whined, his craving unbearable. "Besides, Noreen can''t possibly eat all of this. Just a small bowl, for my trouble of going out to buy seafood with you thiste."


    Seth ignored Jude''s theatrics and turned the heat down to a low simmer. He calcted the time; he could leave at five to deliver the soup to Noreen.


    In the end, Jude didn''t get a single drop. He resigned himself to eating takeout, shooting resentful nces at Seth.


    "Why can''t I have any?"


    "You''re not Noreen."


    "So, only Noreen gets to eat your cooking?" Jude pressed.


    Seth''s silence was the only answer he needed.


    Still not satisfied, Jude asked, "Has Mr. Harcourt ever tasted your cooking?"


    "No."


    "Okay, I feel better now," Jude said.


    After a long night of work, Seth finally


    Phot down. He pulled out his


    to set an rm and only then''s noticed a message from Noreen on the long-forgotten device.


    When he saw her name, he thought he was hallucinating. Why would Noreen text him?


    He had to brace himself for a long moment before he dared to open it. The message was concise, just like here could almost picture the cold,


    different expression on her face as she typed the words.


    *Watch out for the Caldwell family.*


    He stared at the phone, motionless, for so long that Jude leaned over to see what was so captivating.


    Watch out for the Caldwell family? The Harborview City Caldwells? Sue''s family?


    Jude''s expression immediately


    turned serious. "I was going to mention this yesterday. The


    Caldwells may have declined on et


    the years, but they still have deep


    roots. And this is their turf. You need to be careful. You kicked their most pampered daughter, and not for the first time if they decide to settle old and new scores at once, things could get ugly. Should I arrange for some security for you?"


    Jude rattled on, but Seth didn''t seem to hear him. Jude grew anxious. "Seth, are you listening to me?"


    This time, Seth responded, but his answer waspletely off-topic. "Noreen is worried about me, isn''t she?"


    Jude was at a loss for words. He''d nearly talked himself hoarse, and Seth hadn''t heard a single word.


    "She is worried about me," Seth said to himself, his voice filled with certainty. "She must be worried about me!"


    His expression transformed, shifting from shock to excitement to pure joy.


    Jude buried his face in his hands. "Seth, maybe you need an intervention. The moment Noreen is involved, it''s like you lose your mind."