Chapter 929
Noreen’s guilty conscience flared up, and she instantly started stammering. “W-what are you doing?”
“Weird,” Claire muttered, eyeing her like she was an undercover spy. “Why do you smell exactly like Seth Harcourt?”
“What do you mean I smell like him?” Noreen tried to deflect.
But Claire was absolutely convinced. “I might not be a genius, but my nose is second to none. That is one hundred percent Seth’s cologne, and it’s the kind of scent that only rubs off on you after some serious physical contact!”
She planted her hands on her hips, demanding a full confession.
Noreen fumbled for an excuse. “It was just the gala. They seated us right next to each other. Check the university’s official page if you don’t believe me.”
Claire had already seen the photos, so she knew they had been together.
She had even zoomed in on the group shot where Seth was practically glued to Noreen’s side.
Maybe she really was just overthinking things.
Right on cue, the kitten in Noreen’s lap swatted at Claire’s hand, completely
hijacking her attention. “Ugh, this little guy is too freaking cute.”
Later that night, just as Noreen finished showering and was getting into bed, a text popped up from Seth: “Is the kid asleep yet?”
He was really committing to this dad bit.
She left him on read.
A few minutes later, another text chimed.
“Looks like the mom is asleep too.”
Followed immediately by a second one.
“Goodnight.”
Noreen stared at those two words for a long time before finally saving his number into her contacts.
Knowing that putting ‘Seth Harcourt’ would practically invite Claire to interrogate her, she hesitated for a second before typing in a completely different name.
The next morning, Claire woke up at the crack of dawn, practically vibrating with excitement as she announced that a top-tier fashion magazine editor wanted to meet her to discuss a massive New Year cover collaboration.
It had been a long time since Noreen had seen her this motivated and alive, so she was incredibly supportive.
She even insisted that her driver take Claire to the meeting.
Since Noreen wasn’t going into the office today, she didn’t need the car anyway.
The absolute second Claire walked out the door, Seth’s text arrived.
“Open up. I’m here for a custody visit.”
“
How on earth was his timing this terrifyingly precise?
Noreen walked over to the entryway and checked the security monitor. Sure enough, it was Seth.
He was balancing two massive bags in his hands.
Probably more supplies for the cat.
Noreen unlatched the door, and without an ounce of hesitation, he strolled right in like he owned the place.
“I made breakfast. Go wash up and eat before it gets cold.”
He explicitly said made, not bought.
Noreen glanced down at the massive haul he was carrying.
Half of it was for her, and the other half was for the cat.
It was only eight in the morning…
So how the hell did he manage to cook a full breakfast, go shopping for pet supplies, and drive all the way to her apartment in thato timeframe?
Seth had cooked a savory mushroom and lean pork congee, paired with an array of delicate side dishes.
It was perfectly seasoned and incredibly comforting, sending a wave of warmth straight to her stomach.
It instantly put her in an incredibly relaxed mood.
While she was eating, Seth busied himself assembling the ridiculous mountain of cat toys he had brought.
Noreen stared blankly at the colossal cat tree, which was easily fifty times the size of the tiny kitten.
She was utterly speechless.
The kitten, however, was absolutely thrilled.
As Seth built the contraption, the little furball sat diligently by his feet, watching his every move.
The scene was indescribably cozy and domestic.
It honestly looked like a father bonding with his newborn child.
A complex emotion flickered in Noreen’s eyes before she looked away, silently
focusing on her food.
Only after the mammoth cat tree
was
back
bet
constructed did Seth turn
her. “So, baby mama, did you
Pick a name yet?
Noreen massaged her temples, far too exhausted to correct his ridiculous
nicknames anymore.
Fighting him was pointless anyway.
“No.”
She hadn’t a clue what to call it.
“Should he take your last name or mine?” Seth asked casually, waving a feather
wand to entertain the kitten.
Noreen’s headache intensified. “Whatever.”