The pen in Noreen''s hand suddenly slipped, drawing a long, jagged line across the page, a stark contrast to her neat handwriting.
It was like the disruption of a peaceful afternoon.
Her subordinate on the other end of the line, not receiving any instructions, asked cautiously, "Ms. Gilmore, are you still there? Is there a problem with something? Please advise."
Noreen hung up as she stood.
She looked at both ends of the bamboo wall. They were quite long, and it would be
a considerable detour to get to the other side.
She chose the path that looked shortest and hurried along.
Because all her attention was focused on the other side, eager to catch Seth, she didn''t notice the waiter carrying a tray up ahead.
They collided squarely.
The waiter''s tray ttered to the ground, its contents scattering with a series of loud bangs.
Themotion was significant.
Noreen quickly helped the waiter up, apologizing and offering to cover all damages.
After making sure the waiter wasn''t hurt, Noreen quickly gave her name and told the waiter to add the cost of the damages to her bill.
Upon hearing Noreen''s name, the waiter repeatedly insisted it was unnecessary, iming it was her own mistake and had nothing to do with Noreen.
This was the financial powerhouse of Rivercrest City; she wouldn''t dare try to shake her down.
Noreen had no time to argue, her mind consumed by what was on the other side of the bamboo wall.
She said a hasty goodbye, rounded the pavilion at the end of the path, and finally reached the other side of the wall.
The courtyard on the other side was situated by a small creek, an exceptionally elegant and quiet setting.
Due to its location, there was only one table.
It was also the restaurant''s sole VIP spot.
At that moment, only one person was seated there.
Jude was looking at Noreen with an expression of pure innocence.
When their eyes met, he mechanically raised his right hand in greeting, a bright smile on his face.
It just looked a little fake, as if forced.
"Ms. Gilmore, long time no see."
Noreen scanned the area. Besides Jude, there was no one else in sight.
She even leaned over to check under the small wooden bridge.
Jude''s mouth twitched. He then asked with deliberate casualness, "Are you looking for something, Ms. Gilmore?"
Noreen''s gaze returned to Jude''s face, her brow furrowed. "Are you here alone?"
Jude lied with a straight face. "Yes, it''s just been me this whole time. Why do you ask, Ms. Gilmore?"
Noreen didn''t answer right away, her sharp eyes fixed on his face.
Under the table, Jude secretly wiped his sweaty palms on his knees.
His hands were drenched.
On the surface, he continued to feignposure, taking a sip of tea to avoid her
gaze.
"Just
throwing," Noreen said, seeing s act but choosing notet
expose it. "My apologies for
disturbing you"
She didn''t linger, turning to leave immediately.
Once Jude confirmed Noreen was gone, he clutched his chest and took several deep breaths.
That scared the hell out of me!
He then pulled several tissues from the dispenser to wipe the cold sweat that had broken out on his forehead.
Finally, letting out a long exhale, he picked up his phone to call the culprit.
Seth answeredzily, showing no signs of guilt.
Jude pleaded, "Seth, I''m begging
you, don''t ever make me face Noreen''s interrogation alone again I''m terrified
He had always been intimidated by Noreen.
As Noreen''s sess and status grew over the years, her presence had be
even more formidable.
He was more scared of her now than ever.
Like a mouse cornered by a cat.
Not only was Seth not guilty, he even mocked him, "Why are you such a coward?"
Jude was speechless.
If you''re so brave, why are you hiding like a coward?
Of course, he only dared to think that, not say it out loud.
He mumbled, "You can''t just keep hiding like this! We''re in the same city, so you''re bound to run into her eventually, just like today. If she hadn''t bumped into that waiter and made a scene, you would have been caught red-handed, you know?"