bChapter /bb294 /b

Jude looked genuinely puzzled. “Seth, since when did you start smoking so much?”

He distinctly remembered that Seth had never been into cigarettes before.

Yet over the past six months, Seth had suddenly picked up smoking and drinking–odd, to say the least.

Wasn’t rekindling an old me with the love of your life supposed to be something worth celebrating?

Seth didn’t offer any exnation. He just sat there, brooding, taking deep drags off his cigarette as if it were the only way to let out everything bottled up inside.

Meanwhile, back inside the event, Henry returned to Bianca’s side. She leaned in and asked, “Do you know Noreen?”

“Who?” he replied, barely ncing up.

“The woman sitting next to Dn.”

Henry gave her a quick look, then turned away, his voice t. “No, I don’t.”

“I heard she’s hoping to partner with Brooke Group,” Bianca said, feigning casual interest.

Henry thought for a moment. “You mean InnoCore? Yeah, I heard something about that.”

Judging by his reaction, it was clear Henry had no idea that Noreen was the force behind InnoCore.

“InnoCore was a project she snatched right out from under me,” Bianca said, her tone tinged with frustration and resignation.

At this, Henry’s brow furrowed. “InnoCore’s a solidpany. They’re on a real upswing.”

Bianca let out a weary sigh. “That’s exactly why I’m so frustrated.”

Henry’s dislike for Noreen only deepened. “Honestly, it’s just as well we never worked with them. Someone like that doesn’t deserve to be our partner.”

“You don’t need to punish yourself–or your bottom line–just for my sake,” Bianca replied, her voice gentle but firm. “Like you said, InnoCore’s a good opportunity. Partnering with them could only strengthen your position at Brooke Group.”

She offered a wry smile, her eyes determined. “Look, I lost the project fair and square. I can live with that. Next time, I’ll just do better and prove that in this industry, it takes real skill–not cheap tricks–to get ahead.”

Henry had always been on Bianca’s side, but hearing her say this made him respect her even more.

That’s how real leaders handle setbacks, he thought.

As for Noreen–he’d make sure she faced the consequences.

And now, he found her even more distasteful.

b12:27 /b

Chapter 294 fn3f88 N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find{n}ovel/fn3f88

“I’m not partnering with Winrich,” he promised Bianca.

She was visibly pleased with his answer, a small, satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

So much for all of Noreen’s scheming, Bianca thought. She’d worked so hard for Brooke Group’s approval, but in the end, a single word from Bianca could undo it all.

As the anniversary g drew to a close, Hugh Summers arrived with Castle Joyner–the enigmatic owner behind NaviTech–to thank their partners.

It was the first time Noreen had met Castle, and he was even younger than she’d expected.

Thirty–nine, sophisticated and impably charming.

He turned to Hugh and asked, “Is InnoCore in the room tonight?”

Hugh grinned, teasing him. “Why don’t you take a guess, CEO Joyner? Here’s a hint–it’s a female investor.”

There were only two women at the table: Noreen and Bianca.

It wasn’t as if they’d chosen to sit together–staff had simply assigned them to the same table. Noreen was on the far left, Bianca on the far right, as far apart as possible.

They might as well have been at different events.

After a brief nce, Castle extended his hand to Noreen. “It’s a pleasure.”

Hugh couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s impressive, CEO Joyner! How’d you spot her so fast?”

Castle smiled. “It’s all in the presence.”

Then, turning to Bianca, he added, “Of course, you’re quite striking as well. I assume you’re apanying one of the investors tonight?”

Bianca’s smile froze.

She hadn’t expected that all her careful preparation and elegant attire would amount to nothing more than being mistaken for someone’s decorative plus–one.