Chapter 25

After the chaos, a crowd rushed over to pull the two apart.
Noreen found herself pushed aside in the commotion.
Her body wobbled, completely out of control, until she steadied herself against a wall.
Even as heads milled around in her field of vision, she saw, with perfect clarity, that
Seth had thrown himself over Bianca, shielding her from harm.
A sharp pain shot through Noreen’s injured arm.
She glanced at the wound and let out a bitter, silent laugh.
That tangled knot of anxiety, fear, and worry that had seized her moments ago quickly drained away, leaving only a hollow ache behind.
Her mind cleared, reality settling in.
Habit is a terrifying thing.
Even in that split second of danger, her instinct had been to protect Seth.
Just like three years ago, when she’d accompanied Seth out of town to inspect a real estate project.
There’d been a dispute between the developers and the locals–someone had hurled something at Seth.
Noreen had reflexively stepped in front of him, shielding him from the blow, and when someone raised their arm for a second attack, she’d struck hard, knocking the assailant off balance.
That single, decisive action had sent Aurelion Group’s stock price soaring against the market trend.
Back then, she’d risked herself to keep him safe. But now, that same man was holding someone else in his arms, protecting her without a second thought.
Once Ramsey confirmed Seth wasn’t seriously hurt, he let out a long, relieved sigh.
Bianca, on the other hand, was pale and trembling, her eyes rimmed red as she tried not to cry. “Seth, does it hurt?”
“It’s just a scratch, I’m fine. Don’t worry,” Seth murmured, his tone gentle, meant to soothe her.
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Chapter 25
“But you’re bleeding–how can you say it doesn’t hurt?” Bianca’s voice broke as she fussed over him, gently blowing on his wound. “Let me take you to the hospital.”
“No need.” Seth waved her off, clearly unconcerned.
But Bianca wouldn’t let it go. “We have to get you checked out, Seth! Please, just listen to me, okay?”
Faced with her stubborn persistence, Seth finally nodded.
Since the incident had taken place at AeroEdge, Ramsey knew he had to accompany them.
He quickly arranged a car and personally helped Seth inside.
After everyone was settled, Ramsey suddenly remembered Noreen. “Where’s Secretary Gilmore? She didn’t come with us? It was chaos back there was she hurt?”
Bianca barely glanced up. “She was pretty far from the crowd. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s not a child–if she got hurt, she’d say something.”
Given the confusion, Ramsey hadn’t seen where Noreen had ended up.
Seth spoke up, his voice dismissive. “Don’t worry about her.”
Ramsey nodded, then told the driver to head for the hospital.
Noreen, not far away, heard Seth’s words as clear as day.
Don’t worry about her.
Just four words–flat, emotionless.
Cold as the rain that swept through Rivergate, chilling her to the bone.
She looked at her injured arm and let out a self–mocking laugh.
Seven years together, and in the end, it meant nothing at all.
No matter how high the mountain or wide the river, she was the first piece of baggage he’d chosen to abandon.
That night, Noreen flew back to Rivercrest City. Just before boarding, she sent Seth
a message on WhatsApp, letting him know she was heading home. Latest content publıshed on
As expected, Seth didn’t reply.
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Chapter 25
Maybe he hadn’t seen it–or maybe he was just busy.
That’s what Noreen told herself on the plane.
But when she landed and turned her phone back on, there was still nothing.
Instead, she got a notification that Seth had just updated his status.
She blinked in surprise.
Seth never posted anything on social media.
Curious, Noreen clicked in, wondering what could have prompted this once–in–a–blue–moon update.
*Feeling cherished. Grateful for the warmth around me.*
Beneath the words was a photo.
Just an ordinary meal, nothing special on its own.
But it was a short video, and as she tapped in, voices spilled from the speakers.
Bianca’s voice, soft and playful: “Seth, you need to eat more if you want to heal quickly. I got you this special chicken broth–it’s supposed to help you recover.”
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