15:41


    Chapter <b>309 </b>


    Although Jude was dying to know how Healy had managed to make it to the auction so quickly<b>, </b><b>the </b>moment he spotted Noreen at Healy’s side, he pushed his curiosity down hard. <fn6> Latest content published on FindN0vel</fn6>


    Avoiding Noreen had be second nature to him.


    No sooner had Jude taken his seat than the auction began.


    Bianca was flipping through the auction catalogue, tapping a pen against the items she’d already


    marked.


    From the looks of it, she’d picked out quite a few things–mostly jewelry and simr trinkets, all perfect for engagement gifts.


    Jude leaned over and dered, “Remember to let me bid on somethingter–I’ll get you two an engagement present.”


    Bianca smiled. “Well, I’ll look forward to it.”


    Jude grinned. “Only fair.”


    He couldn’t help ncing back in Noreen’s direction.


    Healy was still chatting with Noreen, practically turned sideways in his chair, his attention fixed on her. Even his upper body was angled toward her ever so slightly.


    Suddenly, something clicked for Jude. His expression twisted with a sh of realization.


    Bianca caught the look. “What’s up?”


    Jude hesitated. Whether to say it or not–it felt awkward either way.


    But Bianca was sharp enough; she read the hint in his eyes and nced over her shoulder.


    One look, and her expression shifted as well.


    The easy smile faded from her eyes, reced by something a little colder.


    If Jude could spot it, so could Bianca.


    But she didn’t understand.


    What on earth did Healy see in Noreen?


    Maybe it was just a bit of fun for him.


    Still, Bianca couldn’t help feeling ufortable.


    She’d always considered Healy a friend–she expected him to be on her side.


    Drawing her gaze back, Bianca wondered what Healy’s father, Mr. Naylor, would think if he knew about this. He would definitely disapprove.


    After all, Noreen’s background was hardly presentable.


    Thinking it over, Bianca shot a quick message to her mother.


    15:41


    “Mom, are you close with Mrs. Naylor?”


    “We get along well enough. Why?” Yvonne replied.


    “Oh, nothing much. I just noticed Healy seems to be spending a lot of time with Noreentely. Maybe you should give Mrs. Naylor a heads up.”


    Yvonne had already heard about Noreen’s situation from Lillian, so she immediately understood. Bianca’s meaning.


    “Alright, I’ll mention it to her tomorrow when we go shopping.”


    “And don’t say it came from me. I don’t want this affecting my friendship with Healy.”


    “Don’t worry, I know how to handle it.”


    Only then did Bianca put her phone away, her focus shifting back to the auction block, waiting for the item she had her eye on.


    The early lots were all on the cheaper side, not really Bianca’s taste, so she turned to chat quietly with


    Seth.


    Among the crowd, quite a few people recognized Seth, and from the situation<i>, </i>quickly deduced Bianca’s identity.


    “So that’s Miss Lowell, the one about to get engaged to Mr. Harcourt. They really do make a striking couple.”


    “I hear Miss Lowell’s family is impressive too–her father just got promoted to deputy director, right?”


    “Looks like wedding bells are in the air.”


    These whispers inevitably reached Noreen.


    She wasn’t bothered by them. She’d grown numb to all the talk about those two.


    Healy, eager to change the subject, leaned in to ask if there was anything she wanted to bid on tonight.


    “Yeah, I’ve got my eye on a couple of paintings.”


    “Oh? Are you into collecting art?” Healy asked, obviously just trying to keep the conversation going.


    “No, they’re for gifts. Something for the older folks.”


    “My dad loves art, too. Seems he and <i>your </i>family have more inmon than I thought.”


    <b>Chapter </b><b>310 </b>