Chapter 404

The answer surprised Henry. Padgett Novak was known for his rationality; it was why his family had pushed him toward a career in public service. The idea of him falling in love at first sight seemed completely out of character. Moreover, the Novak family had incredibly high standards for his future partner, as did Padgett himself.
“For you to fall for her at first sight, she must be an extraordinary woman,” Henry remarked.
“She is,” Padgett said with conviction. “She’s brilliant.”
This only made Henry more curious. “So who is she?”
But Padgett refused to say, claiming the timing wasn’t right. He didn’t know if he could ever win Noreen over, and he worried that revealing his feelings publicly might cause her unnecessary trouble. So, for now, he would keep it to himself. If the day ever came when she was his, he would proudly announce it to the world. Unable to get a straight answer, Henry dropped the subject. He took a picture of his drink and sent it to Bianca, telling her he was toasting to her happiness.
A few moments later, Bianca replied, asking if he was at The Luminous Pearl Club.
Henry paused. “How did you know?”
She sent the photo back to him with the club’s logo, barely visible in the corner, circled in red. He had given himself away.
“Since you’re already here, why don’t you come over and say hi?” Bianca invited.
“I’m with a friend,” Henry replied. “It might be awkward.”
Bianca asked for his room number, saying she would just pop in to say hello. Without hesitation, Henry sent it to her.
Bianca arrived moments later, a polite smile on her face. But when she saw Padgett Novak, she froze for a split second before recovering her composure.
“Mr. Novak,” she said, greeting him smoothly. “It’s been a while.” Henry looked surprised. “You two know each other?”
“We’ve met a few times,” Bianca said, taking a seat. She turned to Henry. If you’d told me you were with Mr. Novak, we could have all hung out together. Were all acquaintances, after all.” content
“It wouldn’t be appropriate,” Padgett said, his tone cool.
Bianca offered a practiced smile. “Of course. With your position, it’s best not to get too close to people in the business world. I understand.”
She accepted the drink Henry poured for her and raised her glass to them both.
“A toast to you two. Have a great night.”
Henry clinked his glass against hers, wishing her a happy engagement. Padgett, Sitting farther away, merely tapped his glass lightly on the table in response. He could have easily stood up and walked over to toast properly-the suite was spacious enough-but he chose not to.
Bianca found his behavior odd but maintained her poise. After finishing her drink,
she stood up. “I’ll have to treat you both to dinner sometime.”
“Sounds good,” Henry said. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs
Padgett remained silent, not even looking at her. His cold, distant attitude made Bianca frown in
confusion. He seemed unusuallimet
chilly toward her. Was it because she had rejected him? It hadd Rejection was a blow to anyone’s pride. Shrugging it off, she said her goodbyes and left.
Back in her own suite, she sent Henry a message, telling him she had informed the staff to put his tab on her account.
“There’s no way I’m letting you pay,” Henry quickly replied. “I can handle it.”
“Just let me play the host for once. Don’t be such a stranger.”
“Alright, thanks.”
Then Bianca asked another question. “By the way, how do you and Padgett Novak know each other?”
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