Chapter 273

Chapter 273
To cheer Noreen up, Claire took her out for drinks.
Alcohol was never a good thing at work events–more of a necessary evil than anything enjoyable. But outside of the office, a drink or two now and then could lift the spirits.
It had been ages since the two of them had gone out for a drink together, and Noreen decided to go along with Claire’s plan.
Claire picked the place, a trendy new bar downtown called Rhapsody. The décor was sleek and modern, with a lively atmosphere that made it perfect for young professionals to unwind after work.
They’d barely settled into their seats when a stranger sauntered over, trying to strike up a ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
conversation.
Noreen shot him down without missing a beat.
She had a cool, reserved air about her; when she wasn’t smiling, people tended to keep their distance. But that didn’t stop them from trying–the girl was stunning, and her looks drew admirers like moths to a flame.
Claire couldn’t help teasing. “See that? Now that you’ve ditched that jerk Seth, the whole world is your oyster. No need to lock your heart away for someone who’s not worth it.”
She paused, frowning as she glanced at the latest would–be suitor. “Although, let’s be honest, none of these guys are even remotely tempting. If you are going to consider anyone, at least make sure he’s
hotter than Seth.”
Claire caught herself. That was a tall order.
Finding someone better–looking than Seth was hard enough. Finding someone richer? Practically impossible.
She sighed in defeat. “Forget it. Let’s just drink.”
A server arrived, carrying two cocktails and setting them carefully on the table. “These are Winston cocktails, compliments of Mr. Naylor for Ms. Gilmore and her friend.”
Claire arched an eyebrow. “And who’s Mr. Naylor?”
Noreen replied, “A business associate.”
“He’s generous,” Claire remarked, swirling the custom cocktail with a grin. “This drink must cost a fortune.”
Noreen ignored Claire’s banter and asked the server, “Where is Mr. Naylor?”
The server nodded toward a table across the room.
Noreen glanced over; Healy Naylor raised his glass in her direction.
Out of courtesy, Noreen lifted her own drink in response.
Claire wasn’t about to let this slip by. “Not bad! He’s easy on the eyes, and if he can afford to buy you
a cocktail that pricey, he must be loaded. Not interested?”
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Chapter 273
Noreen took a small sip, then said coolly, “He’s Seth’s childhood friend.”
Claire pulled a face. “Ugh, talk about bad luck!”
Suddenly the drink didn’t taste quite so good. But it was expensive–she wasn’t about to let it go to
waste.
Claire noticed Mr. Naylor sneaking glances at their table, clearly more interested in Noreen than in his own company. With a huff, she edged her chair closer to Noreen, blocking his line of sight. When he looked their way again, Claire mouthed two silent letters at him.
I–D.
Healy blinked, then broke into a smile. Even Noreen’s friends had attitude.
Just then, Healy’s phone rang. Jude Wilder was calling, wondering why he still hadn’t come back. “On my way,” Healy said, before heading back to his group’s private booth.
He returned just in time to overhear one of Jude’s friends chattering excitedly. “Jude, my buddy says there are two absolute stunners out front. Let’s go check them out!”
Normally, Jude would be the first to join in. Their crowd of spoiled rich kids loved nothing more than chasing after women, burning through flings faster than they changed shirts.
But tonight, Jude wasn’t in the mood. He turned down the suggestion.
“Come on, my buddy swears they’re something else. Real ice queens. No one’s managed to get a word in.”
“I said I’m not interested,” Jude replied, irritation creeping into his voice.
“Fine. I’ll go alone, then.”
Once the friend left, the booth quieted down. Jude nursed his drink in silence.
Healy slid into his seat and asked, “Where’s Seth?”
“On his way.”
“Alone?”
“Yeah. Bianca’s off with her friends.”
No sooner had they finished speaking than Seth arrived–alone, just as promised.
Healy offered, “You want a drink or just water?”
“Water, ” Seth said.
Healy poured himself a glass of whiskey, swirling the amber liquid in his hand as he spoke, almost off–handedly. “Ran into Noreen out there, by the way. She was with a friend. I sent them a round of cocktails.”
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Chapter 274