bChapter /bb302 /b

Noreen flicked the invitation envelope off her cup of instant noodles with a practiced snap of her fingers, then grabbed a fork to swirl the noodles around.

Hearing themotion, Padgett Novak nced over and asked, “What are you up to?”

“Just having some noodles,” Noreen replied.

“Instant noodles again? That’s not exactly healthy, especially with your stomach issues. You should really eat something more nourishing.”

Padgett’s voice was deep, almost velvety, like a slow note on a cello.

Noreen shrugged. “It’s fine every once in a while.”

Mostly, it was just convenient.

Padgett hesitated, then offered, “Let me order you something. There’s this French ce I know–you’d

like it.”

Sure, French food was a world apart from the sodiumden noodles she was poking at.

But Noreen knew what it meant if she epted.

She shook her head. “No, thanks.”

Padgett didn’t seem surprised, nor did he look disappointed. If anything, he med himself–thought maybe he hadn’t tried hard enough, hadn’t done enough to win her over.

He just needed to keep trying. That was all. fn1543 Th?s chapter is updated by find{n}ovel/fn1543

Henry arrived early at the French restaurant where he was supposed to meet Padgett. To his surprise, Padgett was already there, dressed to the nines–dark dress shirt, patterned tie, even matching engraved cufflinks shing at his wrists.

His jet–ck hair was neatly parted andbed back, the sides forming sharp, clean lines that entuated his smooth forehead.

As Henry sat down, he eyed Padgett’s outfit. “You sure this is a business meeting and not a date?”

Padgettughed, exhaling as if the joke hit a little too close to home. “Honestly, I almost wish it was.”

“Oh? So you’re saying the other party isn’t interested?” Henry grinned, intrigued. “She must have pretty high standards if even you can’t catch her eye.”

Padgett shook his head. “It’s not that. She’s just not looking for romance right now.”

Henry waved a hand dismissively. “Ah, ying hard to get. She’s got you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she?”

Padgett leaned in, a little exasperated. “It’s not what you think. She’s a good person. And really, today is about business.” He paused, making sure Henry understood. “You’ve met her before, actually. At the entrepreneur summit–I even had you two seated together.”

b15:41 /b0

Henry, midway through a sip of tea, paused as the realization hit. His brows furrowed. “Don’t tell me… the woman you want to introduce is Noreen?”

Padgett nodded. “That’s right.”

Instantly, Henry’s expression went cold. “Afraid I’ll have to pass on your kind offer.”

“Why?”

Before Padgett could press further, Henry’s phone buzzed. He nced at the caller ID, and his demeanor softened noticeably. “Sorry, I have to run. Drinks on me next time–I owe you.”

He stood up, already answering the call, his tone gentler than before. “Hey, Professor.”

When Noreen arrived, only Padgett was there.

“Sorry about this,” he apologized, looking a bit sheepish. “My friend had somethinge upst minute. Really sorry for wasting your time.”

She waved him off. “Actually, it works out. I still owe you a dinner, remember?”

Halfway through their meal, Padgett looked up, almost hesitant. “Did you go to The Half–Light Club a while back?”

Noreen tensed at the name. She’d had a bad experience there.

“I did. Why?”

Padgett’s eyes flickered away, as if he suddenly found the tablecloth fascinating. “Do you remember anything that happened?”

She shook her head. “Honestly, I cked out that night. Don’t remember a thing.”

Then she turned the question on him. “Did you see me there?”

Padgett paused, then nodded. “Yeah. I did.”

For some reason, she watched as he let out a long, relieved breath, as if a weight had been lifted.