<b>Chapter 259 </b>


    Before Bianca could notice, Noreen quietly stepped aside.


    She hadn’t expected to run into Padgett Novak. “Thank you,” she said.


    Padgett nced at the rain pounding harder against the windows and asked, “Where’s the umbre I gave you?”


    “It’s right here in my bag. I carry it everywhere–it’s pretty handy.” Noreen patted her tote with a smile.


    Heughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Then why didn’t you use it?”


    “I thought I wouldn’t get caught in the rain.”


    “Well, be careful next time. Even if it’s not cold, getting soaked is never pleasant.”


    Before they could exchange more than a few words, Sophia arrived.


    Noreen took the chance to return Padgett’s coat, but he shook his head. “Keep it for now. Just bring it back another day.”


    Sophia’s car was blocking others behind her, so Noreen didn’t linger. She said goodbye to Padgett, then slipped into the car and left.


    That night after a hot shower, Noreen settled in to workte on her business proposal.


    Last time she’d gone to Stanton City to see Jennifer, she’d nearly lost Jennifer’s investment because she hadn’t been fully prepared.


    She swore she’d never make the same mistake twice. That was Noreen’s rule: always learn from <fn91b7> Newest update provided by f?ndnovel</fn91b7>


    failure.


    She was experienced at writing business ns now.


    But back at the beginning, she’d been like everyone else–relying too much on emotional storytelling. She still remembered how, at an investment pitch, Seth had called her out in front of everyone: “This isn’t a business n, it’s a stand–upedy routine.”


    He’d even joked she should submit her stories to *The New Yorker*-maybe she’d earn a few bucks in publishing fees.


    Noreen was so furious she locked herself in the bathroom and cried for ages, then ignored Seth for a long time afterward.


    As far as she could remember, that was the only time Seth ever caved first.


    He’d shown up at her tiny apartment with takeout–the one and only time he visited her ce in seven


    years.


    That night, he’d apologized, gently coaxed her out of her mood, and made sure she ate until she was full–body and soul.


    Finally, he sat beside her, guiding her step by step on how to craft a proper business proposal, exining that numbers and data would win investors–not drama.


    15:06)


    But afterward, he’dined her apartment was too cramped, and the mattress too hard.


    He never came over again.


    Noreen worked straight through until ten that night. Sophia texted her: I sent dinner over with a courier. Eat before you get back to work.


    Noreen texted back, “How did you know I was workingte?”


    Sophia replied, “I didn’t have to guess. I knew you’d be burning the midnight oil on that proposal, so I made sure you’d eat. You’ve just gotten your stomach back on track–don’t ruin it again.”


    “Okay, okay.”


    Having a thoughtful assistant really was a blessing.


    She hadn’t eaten much at dinner, so Sophia’s food arrived just in time–she was hungrier than she’d realized.


    The next day, she met with Mr. Charles from the Chamber of Commerce to discuss her project.


    After reviewing her proposal, Mr. Charles seemed genuinely interested.


    Still, he was cautious about the risks. He gave her a condition to consider.


    After the meeting, Noreen messaged Carman: “It’s settled. How’s your ending along?”


    Ever since Noreen had decided to pursue the Port Redevelopment Project, Carman had been working overtime, harnessing InnoCore’s powerful algorithm technology to strengthen the project’s core and give Noreen an edge.


    Carman replied quickly: “All good on my end.”


    Noreen felt a fresh surge of confidence.


    Sophia messaged again, reminding her to take her medicine–Dr. Wynne’s prescription for her health.


    Noreen opened her thermos, only to find it empty. She asked the restaurant server for some hot


    water.


    The server brought her a disposable cup, filled to the brim, and reminded her to be careful not to burn herself.


    Noreen thanked her, found a seat in the waiting area, and decided to let the water cool before taking her pills.


    While she waited, she messaged Matthew Cole to check on his progress.


    She was so absorbed in her phone that she didn’t see the little hellion careening out of


    nowhere–charging straight at her like a loose cannon.