<b>Chapter </b>276


    After Noreen finished negotiating with the Ascendancy Group, they promised tomunicate more thoroughly in future coborations.


    That afternoon, as soon as Noreen arrived at the office, Sophia greeted her with good news–the apartment was sorted!


    Sophia’s efficiency was so impressive that Noreen couldn’t help but shower her with praise.


    “I figured you’d be moving soon, so I’ve been keeping an eye out,” Sophia said, grinning.


    After work, Noreen went to see the ce. It was a spacious, modern apartment, just her style.


    ording to Sophia, the apartment had originally been renovated by thendlord as a wedding gift for his son. But then… his son came out of the closet. In a fit of anger, thendlord listed the property for sale online.


    Unfortunately, the housing market had copsed over the past couple of years. No one was willing to buy, so in the end, thendlord had no choice but to rent it out at a low price.


    The rent was just double what Noreen used to pay for her cramped studio, but now she’d have a sweeping view and brand–new interiors.


    Noreen loved it at first sight and immediately decided to take it.


    The move gave her the perfect excuse for a round of decluttering. She threw out a mountain of stuff and felt lighter with every trip to the dumpster.


    Early Saturday morning, Sophia called a movingpany to help with the move. Once all the boxes were loaded onto the truck, Noreen suggested Sophia head to the new ce ahead of her–she’d be along a littleter.


    Sophia asked where she was going.


    Noreen just said she had something to take care of.


    After Sophia left, Noreen walked alone toward the man–madeke beside her apartmentplex. It wasn’t far, but somehow it felt like the longest walk she’d ever taken.


    The sky was overcast, and a light breeze rustled the trees.


    Noreen stood by the water for a while before finally unclenching her fist. With all her strength, she hurled the small object she’d been holding straight into theke.


    It was thest thing she had that connected her to Seth.


    And something he would never know about.


    ***


    By mid–March, spring was in full bloom.


    Noreen and Carman were invited to attend the city’s first–quarter business leaders‘ summit.


    They’d barely arrived at the venue before running into some familiar faces.


    12:25 <fn9a2c> Chapters first released on findnovel</fn9a2c>


    Healy was there, apanied by Jude.


    Noreen had heard recently that Seymour Wilder’s health had taken a turn for the worse, forcing him to hand over thepany’s reins to Jude, at least temporarily.


    So it made sense that Jude was attending the summit on Seymour’s behalf.


    As soon as Healy spotted Noreen, he strode over to greet her.


    “Ms. Gilmore, it’s been a while,” he said, all smiles.


    In truth, it hadn’t been that long. He was just making conversation.


    “Good to see you, Mr. Healy,” Noreen replied with a polite nod.


    “I heard Director Novak is chairing today’s meeting. Is this your first time at one of these events? If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”


    Noreen thought about saying that, while this was her first time attending as a business owner, she’d actually been to plenty of these summits before, back when she used toe with Seth. She knew the routine all too well.


    Still, she simply thanked Healy.


    “Oh, by the way,” he said, “the cherry blossoms at Southmont are in full bloom. Have you had a chance to get out and enjoy the spring?”


    “Work’s been busy. I haven’t had the time.”


    “That’s a shame. Some sights onlye once a year–you miss them, and you’ll have to wait another twelve months. If you get the chance, you really should go.”


    While Healy rambled on, doing his best to keep the conversation going, Bianca and Lillian Laurent arrived at the venue.


    Lillian had specificallye with Bianca because she’d heard Healy would be there. Bianca, meanwhile, was attending in Seth’s ce.


    Spotting Bianca, Jude walked over to greet her. “Bianca! Over here.”


    She nced around, noticing that Jude was alone. “Isn’t Healy with you?”


    “He’s over there.”


    Bianca and Lillian looked in the direction Jude indicated–only to see Healy chatting andughing


    with Noreen.


    Lillian’s expression soured instantly.


    Bianca frowned as well.


    Since when were those two so friendly?