<b>Chapter </b><b>279 </b>


    Noreen had no idea the others were discussing personal matters nearby.


    As far as she was concerned, her own conversation was strictly business.


    Padgett Novak was telling her about a new start–uppetition the government and the Rivercrest Chamber of Commerce were co–hosting. The winner would receive substantial support to kickstart their business.


    The moment Noreen heard this, she was intrigued and started asking Padgett for more details. <fn3d15> Discover more novels at F?ndNovel</fn3d15>


    Meanwhile, Healy had been hoping to chat with Noreen–even just about work–but she remained deep in conversation with Padgett Novak. With no opportunity to interrupt, Healy finally gave up.


    As he turned to look for Jude, Lillian shyly approached him, offering a bottle of iced tea. “Healy, this is for you.”


    “Sorry, I’m not a fan of iced tea,” Healy declined politely.


    Lillian quickly added, “Well, what would you like to drink? I can get it for you.”


    “I’m not thirsty.”


    “Then maybe I could keep youpany for a bit?”


    Healy frowned. “Sorry, I’m really busy.”


    He didn’t wait for her reply, simply walked away. If she weren’t Bianca’s cousin, Healy wouldn’t have bothered speaking to her at all.


    Jude was standing by the window, getting some air. He looked more somber than usual, the usual restless energy reced by a shadow of mncholy.


    Healy came over. “What’s up?”


    Jude sighed. “I suddenly realized how tough my dad’s had it all these years. These meetings are unbearably dull–he’s been enduring them for thirty years. If it were me, I couldn’tst three.”


    He hesitated, then added, “And running apany is so much harder than I thought. Whenever I look at those financial statements, it’s like they’re written in anothernguage. I just don’t get it.”


    There wasn’t much Healy could do about that, so he simply encouraged him, “Give it time. You’ll get the hang of it.”


    Jude’s gaze drifted across the room. “I’m starting to realize how impressive Noreen is.” He watched her move through the crowd, seamlessly mingling andughing,pletely in her element.


    Healy nced in the same direction, admiration in his eyes. “You’re just figuring that out now? She’s definitely not like most women.”


    He paused, then added, “Not at all.”


    Both of them were so absorbed in watching Noreen that neither noticed Lillian standing nearby. The stic bottle in her hand was nearly crushed from how tightly she was gripping it.


    12:25


    Why was it always Noreen? It wasn’t enough for her to steal Bianca’s boyfriend–<i>now </i>she was after the guy Lillian liked too?


    When the afternoon meeting ended, Henry was quick to rise from his seat and make his way over to


    Bianca.


    Leaning down slightly, he spoke in a low voice, “Want to grab dinner together?<b>” </b>


    “I’m afraid I can’t,” Bianca replied apologetically. “My boyfriend just texted–he’sing to pick me up.”


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Henry’s face, but he managed a gracious smile. “Maybe another time, then.”


    “Do you two know each other?” asked Mr. Renaud, the real estate executive seated beside Bianca. He’d known Henry’s father for years and now looked curiously at the pair.


    Henry straightened up. “Ms. Lowell was my senior at university. She holds a PhD in Finance from WT Business School.”


    Mr. Renaud’s eyes widened in amazement. “A real schr! I had no idea Director Lowell was so aplished–it’s an honor to meet you!”


    Once the others learned about Bianca’s impressive credentials, they began to exim in admiration, their gazes filled with newfound respect and appreciation.


    Some said, “No wonder you captured Mr. Harcourt’s heart–what a remarkable couple!”


    Others chimed in, “With talents like Mr. Harcourt and Director Lowell, Aurelion Group’s future looks limitless!”


    Bianca epted the praise with practiced humility, but she clearly enjoyed being the center of attention. Amid the flurry ofpliments, she nced over at Noreen, who stood at the edge of the room, nearly forgotten.


    What did Noreen have to offer that could possiblypare? Just Bianca’s educational background alone put her miles ahead.


    Noreen, oblivious to the admiration Bianca was basking in, was busy asking Padgett Novak about recent user feedback on the hotline tform.