<b>Chapter </b><b>244 </b>


    Noreen didn’t even have a chance to refuse–Seth had already pulled on his gloves and started cracking open crab legs.


    He really did take Evelyn’s words as gospel.


    Wade turned to Noreen and asked about her work, and Noreen focused on answering his questions.


    Wade had always taken an interest in Noreen’s career and knew quite a bit about Winrich and


    InnoCore.


    Just as Seth was quietly busy with the crab, he suddenly piped up, sounding rather put out, “Howe you never seem this interested in my work? Honestly, it’s like I’m your real kid, not her.”


    Wade shot him a frosty re. “Didn’t yourtest investment in SkyMind just lose a hundred million?”


    Seth choked, silent for a moment.


    Fathers really know just where to poke.


    “Business is about wins and losses, isn’t it? A hundred million’s nothing. Once wend the Port Redevelopment Project, that’ll be pocket change.”


    Wade snorted. “Why don’t you talk when you’ve actually closed the deal.”


    “Rx. I’m telling you, in Rivercrest City, nobody canpete with Aurelion Group. It’s as good as done.” Seth sounded cocky, but he had the track record to back it up.


    “Don’t count your chickens,” Wade shot back.


    Noreen was starting to realize that Wade’s parenting style was all about tough love.


    Seth bristled, and the two of themunched into a heated back–and–forth, even arguing over the project bid. <fn3a2a> The source of th?s content is Find★Novel</fn3a2a>


    They really didn’t treat her as an outsider; just like old times, they discussed business in front of her without a second thought.


    In the past, Noreen would have tried to y peacemaker between the two of them. But tonight, she felt out of ce.


    “I’ll go slice some fruit,” she said, standing up and heading for the kitchen.


    She lingered there for a while, waiting until their voices faded before returning.


    When she sat back down, a te piled high with crab meat was waiting in front of her.


    Seth, apparently with way too much time on his hands, had arranged the crab meat into a heart shape.


    It was honestly a little off–putting.


    Noreen picked up her fork and poked at the crab, ruining the shape before she started eating at a leisurely pace.


    Dinner dragged on, long enough that even Wade was in high spirits from the wine.


    <b>14:20 </b>


    Noreen was a little tipsy herself by the time they were ready to leave. As they headed out, Evelyn reminded Seth–more than once–to make sure Noreen got home safely.


    But as soon as they stepped outside, Noreen dropped the polite act. “I’ll call a cab and go home myself.”


    “If you want Evelyn to chew me out, just say so,” Seth replied.


    “I’ll tell her you drove me home,” Noreen shot back.


    Seth’s expression was calm, but the usual sharpness in his eyes was softened. “Do you really think she’s that easy to fool?”


    He’d barely finished the sentence when Evelyn’s name shed on his phone–she was calling on video chat.


    “Here, you answer,” he said, handing the phone to Noreen.


    Noreen had no choice but to pick up.


    “Did Seth drive you home?” Evelyn asked, right to the point.


    “Yes, yes, see? I’m already in the car,” Noreen answered quickly, angling the camera to show the car interior.


    Only after Evelyn was satisfied and hung up did Noreen hand the phone back. The screen lingered on the recent calls list.


    She recognized the name at the top.


    So that half–hour earlier–he’d been on the phone with Bianca.


    Noreen buckled her seatbelt and turned her face toward the window, shutting her eyes. She had no intention of saying another word to Seth.


    He didn’t speak either, focusing on the road.


    Silence settled between them.


    Whether it was the wine or just exhaustion from work, Noreen drifted off to sleep in no time.


    Seth slowed the car after she fell asleep, driving carefully until they reached her building.


    He parked and sat for a moment, looking over at her as she slept, her face tinted a delicate pink from the wine–a shade that was quietly, irresistibly alluring.


    His gaze lingered on her lips.


    Finally, he got <i>out</i>, tugging at his cor as he stepped into the night air, letting the cold wind wash over him and ruffle his shirt.


    14:20


    Chapter <b>245 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>245 </b>