Chapter 191

“No,” Noreen replied.
A date?
A date with whom?
Only people with nothing useful to do with their lives have time for dates!
Dylan caught her answer and the corner of his mouth twitched, so subtly it was barely noticeable.
But Healy, sitting across from him, caught that tiny reaction. His heart skipped a beat, as if he’d stumbled upon some earth–shattering secret.
But now wasn’t the time to gossip. No matter how curious he was, Healy kept his excitement in check.
“If Ms. Gilmore doesn’t have any other business, why don’t we just talk today? No time like the present,” he suggested.
Noreen had no objections. She never distinguished work from personal time–everyone at Aurelion Group knew she was the queen of overtime.
Still, with Dylan present, Noreen deferred to him out of courtesy.
Dylan replied lightly, “I’m just here to check on the project. If you don’t mind, I’d like to sit in.”
Omniva Group was one of the major investors, so he was well within his rights to stay.
So he did.
Healy grew even more certain of his suspicions. Fifty million was pocket change for Omniva Group. Yet, for such a small investment, the CEO himself had shown up? The real reason was obvious–it wasn’t about the project at all.
He didn’t call Dylan out, though. Instead, he focused on discussing the partnership with Noreen. Carman, InnoCore’s lead engineer, joined in too.
Meanwhile, Mina was growing anxious outside the meeting room. She’d been hoping to ask Noreen to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks by the river–on her brother’s behalf. If Noreen agreed, Mina planned to excuse herself and leave the two of them alone.
But her plan fizzled before it even began.
She’d forgotten–Noreen and Carman were both workaholics!
Well, no matter. She had backup plans.
As the conversation inside hit its stride, Mina knocked and entered. “Noreen, I made some honey–pear tea. My brother told me your throat’s been bothering you the past few days.”
Noreen had indeed had a sore throat lately, though she hadn’t given it much thought. She was surprised Carman had remembered.
“Thank you,” Noreen said, genuinely touched.
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Chapter 191
Mina made sure the others heard. “My brother always worries about you. He kept reminding me to brew this for you to help with your cough.”
“Mina, we’re in a meeting. Can you give us some privacy?” Carman said, flustered.
“Alright, alright, I won’t interrupt.” Mina knew when to quit–she didn’t want to embarrass her shy brother any further. Googlᴇ search
As she reached the door, she turned back, her eyes wide and pleading. “By the way, tonight’s New Year’s Eve. Noreen, when you’re done here, could you take me to see the fireworks by the river?! heard it’s spectacular.”
How could Noreen say no? Especially after accepting Mina’s treat. She nodded. “Sure, we’ll go after we finish.”
“Yes!” Mina cheered and slipped out, delighted.
The meeting wound down soon after, and Noreen prepared to see Dylan and Healy out.
Dylan spoke up. “I was planning to catch the fireworks as well. Since it’s on my way, would you like to go together?”
There was no reason for Noreen to refuse.
She glanced at Healy, about to ask him, when he jumped in. “I’d love to see them too–if you don’t mind me tagging along.”
Noreen was speechless.
Were the fireworks really that special? Why did everyone suddenly want to see them?
In the end, the whole group headed down to the river for the New Year’s fireworks. They arrived just as the show was beginning.
The riverbank was packed–on New Year’s Eve, half the city seemed to have turned out. Noreen wasn’t particularly interested; she stood off to the side, away from the crowds. Carman stayed close, his attention fixed entirely on her, ignoring the festivities around them.
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