Chapter 928

A deeply affectionate smile pulled at Seth’s lips. “I didn’t know you were an animal whisperer.”

Knowing he was teasing her, Noreen ignored him and continued to comfort the kitten, practically radiating maternal warmth.

The little fluffball had clearly claimed her as its mother, relentlessly nuzzling its tiny head against her palm and happily licking her fingers.

Seth put on a completely straight face and asked, “So, did you tell it I’m its dad?”

Noreen looked at him like he had lost his mind.

But Seth’s logic was flawless. “It treats you like its mom. Based on family hierarchy, that makes me its dad.”

“Psycho,” Noreen muttered.

There was a ridiculous amount of cat supplies. Noreen initially intended to ask Linda to help carry them upstairs.

But why on earth would Seth let Linda steal a perfect opportunity to score brownie points?

A single, sharp glare was all it took. Linda instantly caught on and stammered, “Oh, uh, my tendonitis is acting up. I can’t really lift anything.”

“You have tendonitis and you’re driving? Isn’t that a massive safety hazard?” Noreen wasn’t born yesterday; she saw right through Seth’s little charade.

“Hey, don’t give the working man a hard time,” Seth chimed in, suddenly playing the role of the compassionate boss. “Just give me a chance to show off, will you?”

“But Claire is home.” Noreen’s implication was crystal clear.

Seth let out a dramatic sigh. “I’ll just drop the stuff at your front door and leave immediately. How does that sound?”

With Claire acting as the ultimate gatekeeper, he knew he wasn’t getting inside.

Noreen didn’t argue this time, letting him carry the heavy bags.

In the elevator, Seth casually asked, “Does my little mother-in-law have any favorite things?”

Noreen was completely lost. “Who is your little mother-in-law?”

“You know what they say. Your girl’s best friend is essentially your mother-in-law.”

“…” Noreen shot him a look. “I’m not your girl.”

“Oh.” Seth sounded genuinely dejected. “We were practically making out in the car five minutes ago. If we aren’t a couple, what are we?”

A flush crept up Noreen’s neck, but she feigned absolute composure. “We could be friends with benefits. Or secret lovers.”

Basically, anything without a real title.

Seth gritted his teeth. “Fine. If being a side piece is what it takes, I’ll gladly take the job.”

He was entirely willing to throw away his dignity for love. This was nothing.

True to his word, the moment they reached her door, Seth dropped the bags and turned to leave.

But just as he turned around, he spun right back. “Almost forgot.” “Forgot what?”

Before she could react, Seth leaned in and

a swift kiss on her

forehead, then playfully tapped the

kitten bundled in her armat

Startled by the sudden ambush, the tiny kitten hissed aggressively at him.

It was a fiercely adorable threat.

The glare it gave him was a carbon copy of the one Noreen was currently shooting his way.

He couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

No wonder they bonded so fast. They had the exact same temper.

“I’ll come visit you guys tomorrow.”

Noreen opened her mouth to tell him absolutely not, but before she could get a word out, the lock clicked open behind her.

Claire swung the door wide open at the exact second Seth vanished behind the closing elevator doors.

They missed each other by a hair.

Noreen let out a massive, silent sigh of relief.

Claire had heard voices and come to

investigate, only to find Noreen,

standing there alone

Puzzled, she

asked, “Who were you talking to”?”

Noreen’s eyes darted away guiltily. “Just a delivery guy helping me bring up the cat

stuff.”

Not suspecting a thing, Claire immediately started hauling the bags inside.

As she worked, she peppered

Noreen with questions. “The gala

ended at four. Why are you just

getting back at eight? Where did you

go? And why did you bring home a cat .

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Noreen kept her eyes trained on the floor. “I took a walk around Rivercrest Academy.”

“Why would you go all the way over there?” Claire dropped the bags and plopped

down next to Noreen to play with the kitten.

“I was just in the area.”

Claire completely bought the lie, still suspecting nothing.

But as she leaned in to tease the kitten, she suddenly tilted her head, violently

sniffing the air around Noreen.

Her expression twisted into one of utter suspicion.