Chapter 249
The next day, Noreen flew to Stanton City and met with Jennifer Shaw.
When Jennifer learned why she was there, she didn’t give a clear answer. “Noreen, I’ve always believed in your abilities and trusted you. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been the first to invest in InnoCore back then.”
But then Jennifer’s tone shifted. “Still, coming to me for such a large investment without even a completed project proposal isn’t exactly following protocol.”
Noreen realized she’d been a bit too eager.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Shaw. I rushed things. I’ll go back and put together a proper proposal. I hope you’ll give me another chance once it’s ready.”
When they left Grandverse Corp., Sophia looked deflated. “Noreen, what are we going to do? Is this project dead in the water? ”
The funding gap was just too big. Good ideas alone weren’t enough.
Noreen had expected it wouldn’t be easy, so she was calmer than Sophia. “Let’s head back to Rivercrest City.”
Sophia glanced at her phone. “We’ve already missed the last flight out.”
“How about the train?”
“It’s Friday–no tickets left either.”
“Then let’s just go back tomorrow.”
It was the weekend, after all. There wasn’t much they could do back home right away, so they might as well rest for the night.
The next morning, after breakfast, as they were returning to the hotel to collect their bags, Jennifer called. She was waiting outside their hotel–she had some business near the airport and offered to give them a ride on her way.
The hotel actually provided an airport shuttle, but Noreen suspected Jennifer wanted to talk, so both she and Sophia accepted the ride.
Jennifer’s car was a sleek executive SUV, with her male assistant and driver up front.
As Noreen climbed in, she noticed Jennifer looked a little pale. “Ms. Shaw, are you feeling alright?”
“Just my time of the month. Happens every time,” Jennifer replied, her voice a bit weak.
The assistant handed Jennifer a thermos of spiced herbal tea.
She took a few sips, the color returning to her face, and turned to Noreen. “You know, every time this happens, I remember when we first met. You really helped me out that day.”
“It was nothing, really. You always make such a big deal out of it, Ms. Shaw. You’re making me blush.” “No, I remember exactly what you said–‘Only women can truly understand women. That’s why
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Chapter 249
women have to support each other.‘ I really believe that’s the only way for us to gain more choices in life, to have more control over our destinies, and to improve our standing in society.”
Noreen remembered saying something along those lines, though Jennifer made it sound a lot more profound.
“So, last night I thought it over. I shouldn’t have dismissed you like that yesterday.” Jennifer reached over to squeeze Noreen’s hand, apologetic. “I’m in. I’ll invest in your project.”
The turn of events left Noreen speechless for a moment.
She was deeply grateful for Jennifer’s support. Back when InnoCore was struggling for backing, Jennifer had been the first to step in.
“Thank you, Ms. Shaw.” Noreen meant it.
“Go for it, Noreen.” Jennifer gave her a warm smile.
Things were going better than Noreen had hoped. As soon as she landed back in Rivercrest City, Wade called and asked her to join him at a business gala that evening.
Without missing a beat, Noreen went straight to Myriad Atelier to pick out a dress.
Since she’d be accompanying a senior figure, she chose something formal and elegant.
Her makeup was simple yet sophisticated.
Even the stylist at Myriad Atelier complimented her, suggesting that a piece of jewelry would really bring out her features.
Noreen was momentarily at a loss–she didn’t own a single piece of decent jewelry.
She hadn’t really treated herself well these past seven years.
“Do you have any recommendations?” Noreen asked the stylist.
“We have a few pieces left, but I’m not sure if any will catch your eye. Most of our best stock was snapped up by one of our VIP clients.”
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