<b>Chapter 209 </b>


    Bianca’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Seth went to pick up my parents.”


    Jude and Healy exchanged surprised nces.


    They’d known Seth for years, yet had never seen him go out of his way for anyone like this–not even close. He was actually picking up her parents himself.


    He must really care about Bianca if he was willing to go to such lengths.


    “Is Director Lowelling today too?”


    Bianca nodded. “Yes. My dad’s always supported my career. There’s no way he’d miss an event this important.”


    “Honestly, if I attended half as many things as you do, my dad would probably be waiting at the front door to greet guests himself.”


    Judeughed at his own joke, then added, “Seth’s setting the bar high for future sons–inw. I doubt Mr. Harcourt ever got that kind of treatment, right? Oh, is Mr. Harcourting?”


    He didn’t really think before asking thatst question; it just slipped out.


    But the words hit a sore spot for Bianca.


    No one wanted Wade’s support at her big moment more than she did. If he showed up, it would mean he finally recognized her–and maybe, just maybe, her engagement to Seth could move forward


    sooner.


    But Seth hadn’t mentioned it, and she didn’t want to bring it up herself.


    It just made her feel she hadn’t climbed high enough yet–not enough to catch Wade’s attention.


    So she pushed herself harder, determined that one day, Wade would finally see her worth.


    Still, since Jude had asked, Bianca felt she needed to save face.


    She replied, “Mr. Harcourt’s been retired for years. He’s made it clear he won’t attend public events like this anymore, so I didn’t want to bother him.”


    Jude epted this exnation without question. “Makes sense. I think the only time we see Mr. Harcourt these days is when we stop by at Christmas.”


    Healy suddenly chimed in, “Who says? Didn’t we just see him at The Eastern Gardensst time?”


    As soon as he mentioned it, the three of them fell silent.


    They had seen Wade there–but only because someone else had brought him. And that someone was Noreen, the very person Bianca didn’t want to talk about.


    The mood grew awkward.


    Jude quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, I ordered a bottle of champagne from Celestial Vineyards to celebrate with you tonight. Only the best for you.”


    Atst, Bianca’s expression softened.


    <b>19:07 </b>


    Everyone knew Celestial Vineyards wines were outrageously expensive. Clearly, Jude valued her.


    Being valued felt good.


    Just then, Yvonne Laurent called to say she and her husband had arrived.


    Bianca immediately gathered her dress and went out to greet them.


    Jude nudged Healy. “Come on, let’s go say hi too.”


    “You go ahead<i>,” </i>Healy replied, ncing down at his phone. “I have to take this call.”


    “What could possibly be so important right now?” Jude grumbled.


    Healy just held up his phone, showing the caller ID. “It’s my dad.”


    “In that case, you better answer. I’ll go on ahead.”


    Healy assumed his father, Chase Naylor, was calling to remind him about the InnoCoreunch event. He was just about to assure him he’d be there soon and wouldn’t miss a thing–when Chase cut him off.


    “I’m almost at the venue,” Chase said.


    Healy was caught off guard. “You’reing too?”


    “Of course. Not just me–the whole business association is here.”


    Healy’s posture stiffened. “I’ll be right there.”


    Meanwhile, Noreen was meticulously overseeing the event preparations when her phone buzzed again. It was Wade.


    She thought, as before, he was just checking in, so she answered and gave him a straightforward update.


    “The InnoCore Framework went live in all the major app stores at seven this morning. Downloads look strong, and the numbers are encouraging.”


    There was a pause on Wade’s end, then he said, “I’m almost at the venue.”