Chapter 207

Chapter 207
Once Noreen had calmed everyone down, she finally had a moment to step outside and check on
things.
By eight–thirty, the street was growing crowded–though nearly everyone seemed to be heading toward the SkyMind event.
As luck would have it, the moment Noreen stepped out, she ran straight into Yves Selwyn.
Yves looked awkward. He’d made excuses when Noreen had sent him an invitation, claiming he was too busy. Now, caught red–handed, he fumbled for words. Before he could stammer out an explanation, Noreen beat him to it.
“Mr. Selwyn, you’re headed to the SkyMind celebration, right? Just take a left outside–their venue’s over there.”
Yves couldn’t decide whether to smile or not. He scratched his head, embarrassment clear on his face. “Uh, Ms. Gilmore, I’ll try to stop by your launch later and show some support.”
Noreen didn’t take him seriously–she’d heard enough polite platitudes to know better. After a few more empty niceties, Yves hurried off.
Just then, her phone buzzed. Wade Harcourt was calling. Noreen answered quickly.
She hadn’t told Wade about the InnoCore launch. She had no idea how he’d found out, but he was asking for an update. Noreen kept things optimistic, glossing over any problems. “Everything’s going smoothly on my end,” she assured him.
“That’s good to hear,” Wade replied.
No sooner had she ended the call than Jude showed up.
He could have headed straight to the SkyMind party from outside, but instead, he made a point of sauntering through InnoCore’s entryway. His intentions were obvious–he was here to gloat.
“Well, well,” he jeered, looking around the empty lobby. “What kind of launch is this? Looks like you’re throwing a party for yourself.”
Noreen didn’t even bother replying.
Jude hadn’t come alone; he’d brought a whole entourage, several of whom were carrying an enormous bouquet of sunflowers–so big it took two people to hold it. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by.net
He’d chosen them on purpose. After all, Dylan had given Noreen sunflowers at the summit, hadn’t he? Well, Jude could do better. His were ten times bigger, making a showy statement for everyone to see–just to remind Noreen she could never measure up to Bianca.
“Make way! Coming through!” The guys at the front barked twice before shoving Noreen aside.
The force knocked her into the glass door behind her with a dull thud. Stars burst in front of her eyes.
Jude watched the spectacle and offered a half–hearted, “Sorry, didn’t see you there. If you need anything, just let me know–I’ll cover your medical expenses.”
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Chapter 207
His tone made it clear he didn’t mean a word. Of course, a bump like that was hardly grounds for compensation. He just wanted to mess with her.
Noreen was about to retort when her phone rang again–Jed Hollis calling.
She ignored Jude and picked up immediately.
Jed’s voice came through, asking if he could bring his students to observe the launch. “Would it be all right for us to come by and learn a bit?”
“Of course! Professor Hollis, bring as many as you like. Just call me when you arrive, and I’ll come meet you.”
“Great, thanks.”
Jed was a professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the country’s top university, a doctoral advisor, and a key member of the national robotics research team. He also served as vice–chair of the Artificial Intelligence Society. His presence was a huge boost for InnoCore.
So, no–InnoCore wouldn’t be left out in the cold.
Eager to share the good news with Carman, Noreen turned to head back inside–just as Dylan arrived.
Noreen assumed he was there for the SkyMind party. After all, his relationship with Bianca was different from everyone else’s. She pointed down the hall. “The SkyMind celebration is to the left.”
Dylan grinned. “Actually, I’m here for the InnoCore launch.”
He paused, then teased, “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I just thought you’d be at the celebration.”
“No,” Dylan said, his tone clear and firm. “I’m here for InnoCore’s launch today. That’s the only thing on my schedule.”
Chapter 208