<b>Chapter </b><b>210 </b>


    Noreen paused in surprise. “You came here yourself, sir<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Wade nodded. “Just thought I’d stop by.”


    He spoke with the casual air of someone out for a stroll, as if he’d just happened to pass through. But Noreen knew better. Ever since he’d retired, Wade had kept to himself and hadn’t attended events like this in years. He was here for a reason, even if he’d never admit it. In that respect, Seth really took after him.


    Quickly, Noreen hurried out to greet Wade. In her rush, she bumped into someone near the revolving door. The collision was light, but she apologized at once. “Sorry about that.”


    “It’s fine,” the man replied,pletely unfazed.


    As Noreen hurried off, the man stood where he was, watching after her. For a moment, he felt as if time had rewound–he almost called out a name from the past. The illusion only broke because her eyes held no recognition.


    “Dad!” Bianca’s cheery voice rang out as she spotted Forrest Lowell. She dashed over, beaming.


    Forrest snapped back to the present, his features softening into a warm, paternal smile. “What are you doing out here? That dress can’t be easy to move in.”


    “I wanted toe meet you and Mom myself,” Bianca said, ncing around. “Where’s Mom? Didn’t shee in with you?”


    “She left her phone in the car. Seth went back with her to get it,” Forrest exined.


    No sooner had he finished than Seth entered with Yvonne beside him. “Mom!” Bianca squealed, hugging Yvonne tightly.


    “Careful, don’t wrinkle your dress,” Yvonne fussed.


    “Don’t worry–the stylists are here. If anything gets messed up, they’ll fix it.” Bianca was in high spirits, basking in her parents‘ affection. She didn’t forget to thank Seth, either. “Seth, thank you for picking up my parents.”


    “Let’s head inside,” Seth said, ushering everyone forward.


    Bianca took Yvonne’s hand and led her in. “The celebration dinner’s about to start. Good thing you made it in time–anyter and you’d have missed the opening. Was there traffic?”


    Yvonne shook her head. “There wasn’t when we arrived. Maybe Seth hit some traffic going back for me.”


    “It’s all right, you’re here now<i>,</i><i>” </i>Bianca said with a smile. Today, she felt like the luckiest person in the world.


    “Dad, hurry up!” she called over her shoulder, only to see Forrest trailing behind. He looked a bit distracted, not quite himself, but as soon as she called, he snapped back to normal and caught up


    with the rest.


    Jude came over, eager to greet Forrest and Yvonne. Once Yvonne learned he was the son of Omniva


    <b>19:08 </b>


    Group’s director, she greeted him with polite warmth.


    “Where’s Healy?<i>” </i>Bianca asked, noticing Jude was alone.


    “She’s taking a call,” Jude replied.


    Bianca assumed Healy was still inside and let it go.


    Among the guests, someone recognized Forrest and came over to say hello. Forrest went off to mingle, leaving Yvonne to seize the moment and pull Bianca aside. “It’s such an important day–do you think Seth’s father will show up?”


    “Mr. Harcourt stoppeding to these events long ago,” Bianca exined. “That’s why we didn’t invite him.”


    Yvonne couldn’t help feeling a little slighted. Her daughter was so aplished, yet Seth’s family seemed indifferent. Sensing her mother’s disappointment, Bianca squeezed her hand. “Give it time, Mom. At least Seth really cares about me.”


    Yvonne’s expression softened. “You’re right. At least Seth puts you first.”