Chapter 227

Chapter 227
Noreen honestly hadn’t even realized today was Valentine’s Day.
For the past seven years, it had been the one date she cared about most, but suddenly, it didn’t seem important at all.
That afternoon, the meeting wrapped up early. The chair, cracking a joke, said he’d let everyone out ahead of schedule so they’d have time for their dates.
Carman was just about to ask Noreen if she had any plans for the evening–if she didn’t, maybe they could grab dinner together; he’d even booked a table in advance.
But before he could get the words out, Wade called.
He was inviting Noreen to dinner.
If Wade asked, Noreen had to go. Carman knew how things stood and didn’t mention his dinner plans again.
At Wade’s dinner, Noreen found herself among a handful of familiar faces from the city’s business
association. Fresh chapters posted on ͟.net
There were some she didn’t recognize, though.
One man stood out–young, maybe early thirties, strikingly good–looking, and with an aura that set him apart from everyone else at the table.
Wade introduced him, and only then did Noreen realize why he felt so different.
He wasn’t in business at all.
He was a bona fide civil servant.
His rank wasn’t exactly high, but if he was at Wade’s table, he was clearly someone important.
The man offered a polite handshake. “Miss Gilmore, it’s a pleasure. I’m Padgett Novak–very glad to finally meet you.”
“Likewise,” Noreen replied, keeping it courteous.
She expected that would be the end of their exchange.
But Padgett went on, “I know who you are. I’ve wanted to meet you for a while now.”
That caught Noreen a bit off guard.
Padgett explained, “I watched your presentation at the InnoCore launch, and I attended the Al Summit in Harborcrest City. You left quite an impression. I’m genuinely happy to meet you in person.”
“Padgett showing interest in a woman? That’s a first,” someone at the table teased.
“Isn’t Ms. Gilmore single too? Who knows–maybe you two are meant to be.”
Noreen, being the only woman at the table, felt a little uncomfortable.
Padgett sensed it and jumped in to defuse the situation. “Mr. Hay, this is literally the first time I’ve met
1/2
13:01
Chapter 227
Miss Gilmore. You’ll scare her off talking like that.“.
Then, turning back to Noreen, he reassured her, “They’re always giving me a hard time, don’t take it seriously.”
“Of course not,” Noreen responded, unbothered.
Mr. Hay chimed in, “Hey, I promised your mother I’d help you sort your personal life out, didn’t I? The last woman I introduced you to was great, shame it didn’t work out.”
So he was getting pressure from home about settling down.
Padgett looked a little embarrassed. “Sorry, Miss Gilmore. Hope you don’t mind.”
“I get it,” Noreen said with a small smile.
Whether by coincidence or design, Noreen found herself seated next to Padgett Novak.
Thankfully, no one brought up the matchmaking again, and the conversation shifted back to business.
By the time dinner ended, rain was falling steadily outside. As one of the younger attendees, Noreen took it upon herself to help the older guests.
She slipped out ahead to hail a cab, only to unexpectedly run into Seth.
He saw her, but his gaze barely lingered before moving past her, breaking into a faint smile.
That smile–she’d only ever seen it when he looked at Bianca.
So Noreen turned, unsurprised to spot Bianca approaching.
As Noreen passed her, Bianca’s eyes flicked over her just as briefly, before she continued on, her steps light as she made her way toward Seth.
Wade and the others came out just then, and Noreen stepped forward to help Wade.
Out at business functions, Wade relied on a cane, moving a little slower than most. The others naturally matched his pace.
They walked together, chatting as they went.
“That’s a good idea,” someone remarked. “You all should help Noreen out whenever you can–she’s
still new to all this. If she needs advice, I hope you’ll be patient with her.”
“President Harcourt, you can count on us. Anything you ask, we’ll take care of it.”