Chapter 337

Chapter 337
Chapter 337
Noreen ignored Henry’s sneer and strode toward the registration desk.
The attendant, following protocol, asked her to present her invitation.
She opened her purse-only to realize the invitation was missing.
She rummaged through her bag, growing more anxious as she searched every pocket, but it was nowhere to be found.
With more guests arriving behind her, the attendant grew impatient. “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I’ll need to see your invitation. No one gets in without one. Please cooperate.”
“Sorry, let me look again.” Noreen stepped aside, not wanting to hold up the line.
Henry, watching from a distance, couldn’t resist a mocking laugh.
She really does put on a good act.
Does she think this is just some casual cocktail party?
Is she planning to slip in with some cheap trick, or maybe charm her way past security like she did in the old days?
What a joke.
People like her weren’t even worth a second glance.
With a dismissive glance, Henry turned away and headed into the ballroom.
Noreen hadn’t expected to lose her invitation, but there was nothing she could do now except text Castle for help.
She figured Castle was probably busy-calling would be inconvenient-so she sent a message and braced herself for a long wait.
As time passed, more and more guests arrived.
Among them were Seth and Bianca.
The moment Bianca stepped out of the car, she spotted Noreen and hesitated for a split second.
She realized, with a sinking heart, that they were wearing the same dress.
Both of them had chosen black halter gowns, the exact same fabric and cut.
The only difference was that Noreen wore no expensive jewelry. Instead, she’d tied a silk scarf to the
strap at her neckline, letting it cascade down her shoulder all the way to her waist.
When a breeze drifted through, the scarf fluttered gently, giving her an air of effortless grace and vibrance. Newest update provıded by.net
It was a kind of understated elegance-more striking than diamonds.
Bianca felt a twinge of discomfort.
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Chapter 337
Noreen didn’t even glance her way. She stood quietly, eyes fixed on her phone, waiting for Castle’s reply.
Seth led Bianca to the registration table and handed over their invitation.
The attendant glanced at his coworker. “How long are we supposed to wait for that lady?”
The coworker shrugged. “Who knows? Probably hoping to sneak in. You know how it is-every time Mr. Joyner throws a party, there’s always someone trying to slip past the door.”
“Well, I’ll keep an eye out. She’s not getting through on my watch.”
Their conversation was carried straight to Bianca, who smiled to herself.
So Noreen didn’t even have an invitation.
She’d noticed before that Castle treated Noreen differently, and for a moment, she’d wondered if Castle actually cared about her.
Apparently, Noreen thought she was special too-special enough to crash this party.
What a delusion.
Inside the hall, Henry finally found his chance to greet Castle.
Castle asked after Henry’s father. “How’s your father doing?”
“He’s been under the weather lately. He couldn’t make it tonight, so he asked me to pass along his apologies.”
“Give him my regards. I’ll stop by Briarwood City soon to visit.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Castle turned to Henry. “So, you’ve already finished college?”
“My father’s health hasn’t been great. I applied for early graduation so I could come home and help
out.”
“Good thinking,” Castle nodded in approval.
Before they could continue, Castle’s secretary hurried over and whispered something in his ear.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Go bring her in, now.”
The secretary rushed off.
From Castle’s urgency, it was clear this guest was someone important.
Moments later, Seth and Bianca entered the hall.
As soon as Henry saw Bianca, his eyes lit up.
He started toward her instinctively, but stopped short when he remembered she was with Seth. He hesitated, then stayed where he was.
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