Earlier, while apanying Wade at the reception, Noreen had noticed someone in particr and made a point of getting his contact information.


    <b>It </b>was Mr. Suthend from VirtuBuild Ltd.


    If they managed to win the bid for the Port Redevelopment Project, there was a good chance they’d end up working with VirtuBuild Ltd. That’s why she was thinking ahead–adding Mr. Suthend’s number to her phone before she even needed it.


    This was the kind of high–profile event where even the hors d’oeuvres tasted better than anything you’d find elsewhere.


    Noreen treated herself to several canapés, filling up before she nned to head back and find Wade. Just as she was about to leave, someone approached.


    She probably would have walked away if she hadn’t heard her own name.


    Unfortunately, someone was gossiping about her–loud enough for her to catch every word.


    Bianca had originally wanted towork and make some new connections, but the conversation kept circling back to Noreen. Annoyed, Bianca lost interest and just wanted to find somewhere quiet.


    Thankfully, Lillian was there to keep herpany.


    Lillian tried to cheer her up. “Don’t let it get to you, Bee. Don’t let that witch Noreen ruin your mood. Like you said, her good luck won’tst–she’s not worth your attention!”


    “And let’s be real: you have Seth! He treats you like a queen. You can pick out whatever dress or jewelry you want, and that ck card with no limit? I’ve never spent that much money in my life–it felt amazing!”


    Maybe Lillian’s pep talk helped, because Bianca’s mood really did improve. She even said, “I bought a ton of jewelry today. If you see anything you like, it’s yours.”


    “In that case, I won’t hold back! Seth will just buy you more anyway!” Lillian grinned, delighted. “You should smile too. You look stunning tonight–when Sethes to pick you up, he won’t be able to take his eyes off you!”


    At the mention of Seth, Bianca’s spirits soared, a smile tugging at her lips. “He should bending any


    minute now.”


    No sooner had she said it than her phone rang.


    Lillian caught a glimpse of the caller ID and teased, “Speak of the devil and he calls! Seth really does keep tabs on you, huh? Should I give you two some privacy for your sweet nothings?”


    “Stop it,” Bianca replied, halfughing.


    Lillian, always considerate, slipped away to give them space.


    She hadn’t taken more than a few steps before something caught her foot and she went sprawling,nding hard on the floor. The noise drew more than a few stares.


    <b>14:22 </b>


    Desperate to save face, she scrambled up quickly, brushing off her dress as if nothing had happened.


    Just then, Noreen stepped out from behind a decorative nt, looking utterly unbothered.


    Lillian’s expression changed instantly. She put two and two together and shouted, “Noreen! Was that you <i>just </i>now?”


    Noreen lookedpletely unfazed, even arching her brow with a hint of arrogance. “Yep. That was me. So what?<b>” </b>


    “I’ve had it with you!” Lillian exploded, lunging at Noreen, determined to confront her.


    Bianca grabbed her arm just in time.


    “Lillian, calm down!”


    Lillian’s fall had already attracted plenty of attention. Everyone knew she was there with Bianca, and if a fight broke out, it would be a huge embarrassment. These events were full of important people–leaving a bad impression could hurt Bianca’s reputation, and by extension, Seth’s as well.


    She had no choice but to try to rein Lillian in.


    Noreen knew exactly how much Bianca valued her image. That’s why she didn’t hold back–she wanted to see Bianca squirm.


    Let her run her mouth, Noreen thought. <fn6a1c> Find the newest release on fin?novel</fn6a1c>


    <b>14:22 </b>


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