Whether it was that early summer eight years ago or today, he had been at a disadvantage from the very beginning.


    After leaving the Omniva Group building, Sophia Cole followed Noreen into the car. Once they were on the road, she finally voiced her confusion. "Noreen, didn''t you say you didn''t have any engagements this afternoon?"


    Noreen calmly sent an email before asking tly, "Do you enjoy getting involved in other people''s messes?"


    Sophia shook her head vigorously. "No, I don''t."


    "Neither do I," Noreen said, closing herptop and ncing up, her expression cid. At a time like this, anything Dn said would have been inappropriate.


    Noreen had been on her way back to Winrich when she suddenly received a call from Harborview City. The news on the other end made her face pale instantly.


    She immediately instructed Sophia, "Book the fastest flight to Harborview City! As soon as possible!"


    ...


    Jude had only made a single offhandment, but Seth''s expression immediately soured. The mint in his mouth shattered, its cloying sweetness stinging his tongue.


    It was only a momentter that Jude realized what he''d said. He quickly exined, "It was Crystal. She wasining in the Wilder family group chat that Dn is insisting on a divorce and asked everyone to help talk him out of it."


    Some of the Wilder family elders, motivated by their own interests, had offered a few words of persuasion. But Dn''s stance was firm. He made it clear that he had already separated his overseas business assets and was just waiting for Crystal''s signature to finalize the divorce proceedings. If Crystal refused to sign, he would take legal action. In short, he was determined to end the marriage.


    Someone asked why they were divorcing, expressing confusion. A business marriage involved so many entanglements; it was impossible to untangle everything so quickly without at least a year and a half of preparation. This implied that Dn had started nning for the divorce at least a year and a half ago.


    Jude clicked his tongue. "No wonder they haven''t been seen together in over a year. Turns out there were signs all along."


    Before Jude could even finish his sigh, Seth was already striding toward the elevator, his steps hurried.


    Jude followed, a half-step behind. "Weren''t we here to visit Mr. Harcourt? Are we leaving without even saying hello?"


    Seth ignored him, jabbing the elevator button repeatedly. When the elevator didn''t arrive immediately, his patience ran out, and he bolted for the nearby stairwell.


    "Hey, Seth, where are you going?"


    Seth''s figure had already vanished into the stairwell, leaving only a few resounding words behind.


    "To find Noreen!"


    Jude froze. Why wasn''t he avoiding her anymore?


    Seth rushed to Winrich as fast as he could, only to be told by the receptionist that Ms. Gilmore wasn''t in the office.


    He pulled out his phone to call Noreen, but an automated message informed him her phone was off.


    Next, he called Sophia. She hemmed and hawed, unwilling to say anything.


    "I need to talk to her about something very important!" Seth insisted.


    Sophia knew that Noreen had been looking for Seth as well; she had even asked Sophia about him. After a moments thought she decided to tell him the truth. "Ms. Gilmore flew


    to Harborview City."


    ...


    As soon as Noreennded in Harborview City, she got into Dariel''s car and rushed to the hospital.


    Katy was waiting outside the emergency room, her eyes red and terribly swollen. The moment she saw Noreen, the tears she had just managed to suppress welled up again.


    Noreen hurried to her side, wrapping an arm around her. "It''s okay," she soothed. "Your father will be all right."


    Katy buried her face in Noreen''s embrace, her shoulders trembling with sobs. Her voice was raw and sobs raspy as she repeated, "It''s all my fault. Dad only got hurt because he was trying to save me. It''s altmy fault hadn''t mistaken that person, I wouldn''t have been kidnapped by those bad people."


    On the way from the airport, Dariel had briefed Noreen on the situation. Sue had been deliberately mimicking Zoe Caldwell''s mannerisms and behavior in an attempt to seduce Castle.