<b>Chapter </b>253


    Watching Noreen strut away, Lillian’s anger turned to tears. “nca! Did you see how she acted?<b>” </b>


    “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she pays for this,” Bianca replied, equally furious.


    But unlike Lillian, Bianca kept her cool. She knew this wasn’t the time or ce for a confrontation, so she swallowed her resentment for now.


    Bianca’s words offered Lillian somefort, easing the sting in her heart.


    When Noreen returned to Wade’s side, there was a subtle smile ying on his lips; he seemed to be in good spirits, his usual stern expression noticeably softer. “You didn’t drink, did you?”


    “No, I didn’t.”


    In the past, these sorts of events always meant Noreen had to drink. But tonight, with Wade as herpanion, most people wouldn’t dare press her to join their toasts. Besides, she needed to drive him hometer, so she hadn’t touched a drop.


    By now, the party was winding down, with guests gradually filtering out.


    As Wade led Noreen over to say their goodbyes to the hosts, Seth arrived.


    He hadn’t bothered with formal attire–clearly, he’d decided to show up at thest minute.


    Bianca’s mood improved the moment she spotted Seth. Atst, the person she could rely on had arrived! Even Lillian perked up, bustling around them with renewed energy.


    With Seth’s arrival, Bianca was suddenly the center of attention again–more so than before, in fact. Guests gathered to chat with her, and she basked in the renewed sense of superiority, ncing at Noreen with thinly veiled smugness.


    But Noreen didn’t even look her way. So Bianca turned and said to Seth, “Seth, Mr. Harcourt is here. Let’s go say hello.”


    This time, Seth didn’t refuse, and Bianca’s heart soared.


    “Dad,” Seth greeted, joining the small group. His gaze lingered on Noreen just a moment longer than


    necessary.


    The pause made Bianca tense up instinctively.


    Fortunately, Seth looked away after only a second.


    Wade didn’t bother to look at him directly, but still asked, “Youing home tonight?” <fnb77d> This update is avable on Find1Novel</fnb77d>


    Seth hesitated. “No, I just got back from a business trip–haven’t even changed my clothes.”


    He really hade straight from the airport. He must have heard about Bianca’s troubles at the party and rushed over to support her.


    Wade didn’tment on Seth’s answer. He simply led Noreen out, never once giving Bianca a second nce. The slight stung Bianca more than she cared to admit.


    Seth turned to Bianca. “Let’s go.”


    <b>15:06 </b>


    She actually wasn’t ready to leave–Noreen had stolen the spotlight all night. Seth’s appearance had finally shifted attention back to her, and she wanted to stay a little longer, to make sure all of Rivercrest City saw their connection.


    But considering Seth had just returned from a trip and was likely exhausted, she reluctantly agreed to go, ying the considerate fiancée.


    At the door, Wade ran into Director Moss, an old acquaintance, and paused to exchange a few words. “Mr. Harcourt, you’re a lucky man! Your son and soon–to–be daughter–inw are both so aplished. Truly enviable.”


    Wade paused, puzzled. “Daughter–inw?”


    “Miss Lowell, of course! She’s been working directly with me on the Port Redevelopment Project–very capable young woman. And her credentials! A doctorate from WT Business School–one of the top programs in the country. Who wouldn’t be envious?”


    Director Moss’s admiration was unmistakable. “Your son’s a rising star in finance, your future daughter–inw’s a top talent… The Harcourt family is destined for even greater things!”


    His ttery made Bianca glow with pride. She shot a contemptuous nce at Noreen, hoping to savor her triumph.


    But Noreen seemed utterly unfazed, showing no sign of inferiority in the face of Bianca’s glittering résumé.