Chapter 280

Chapter 280
Padgett Novak reported that the feedback had been fantastic. The new process cut out so many tedious steps that their service efficiency had improved fivefold, maybe more. Most importantly, it had finally solved a problem that had plagued them for years.
Noreen just smiled. “I’m glad I could help.”
Encouraged, Padgett invited her out for dinner.
“Sorry, I already have plans tonight,” Noreen replied. Google seaʀᴄh.net
Padgett looked a little disappointed. “Maybe another day, then.”
At that moment, Carman finished up a conversation and came over to Noreen. She handed Noreen her bag and the half–empty bottle of water she’d left behind, always attentive.
Padgett couldn’t help but glance at Carman a couple more times, taking in her thoughtfulness. Sensing someone’s gaze, Carman looked up and met Padgett’s eyes. Something unspoken passed between them in that brief moment.
As Noreen was preparing to leave, Healy hurried over. “Want to grab dinner and talk about the project?”
Normally, Noreen, the consummate workaholic, would have agreed without hesitation. Healy had learned from experience: mention work, and Noreen never turned down an invitation.
But tonight, Noreen shook her head firmly. “Sorry, I already have plans tonight. Rain check?”
Healy looked let down, but managed a smile. “Sure, another time.”
After he walked away, Padgett’s frown deepened.
As Noreen and Carman left, they ran into Seth, waiting at the entrance to pick up Bianca. Carman hesitated for a split second and glanced at Noreen, but noticed that Noreen didn’t look at Seth at all–didn’t even break stride.
They passed each other like strangers–two lines that never intersected, two worlds with nothing in
common.
Carman quickly caught up to Noreen as they left together.
A few moments later, Healy and Bianca came out of the building. When Bianca saw Seth waiting for her at the door, she rushed over with a worried look. “I told you to stay home! You’re barely recovered and shouldn’t be out in this weather. ”
“I’m fine,” Seth replied, his voice still hoarse. The effort of speaking made him cough.
Healy shook his head in concern. “You sure? You’ve lost weight. This illness hit you pretty hard.”
Thinking back, it seemed Seth hadn’t really been well since that night at the bar. His sickness had dragged on for over two weeks. Was he always this frail?
12:26
Chapter 280
Noreen had cleared her entire evening just to celebrate Rosalind Gilmore’s birthday. As soon as the meeting ended, she drove straight to pick up Rosalind.
Originally, Noreen had made reservations at a restaurant, but Rosalind said she was craving barbecue. It had been ages since Noreen could indulge, thanks to her sensitive stomach, but since it was Rosalind’s birthday, she was happy to go along with it.
They chose a barbecue spot at random. After they settled in, Rosalind went up to make her favorite dipping sauce. Noreen always let Rosalind handle it–the flavor was unique, and she could never quite recreate it herself.
But when Rosalind returned to the table, she was empty–handed and her face looked a bit off. Suddenly, she announced she’d changed her mind and didn’t want barbecue after all.
“What’s going on, Ms. Gilmore? You said you wanted barbecue, and now you don’t?” Noreen teased. Rosalind just shrugged. “Birthday girl’s privilege. My day, my rules. No complaints.”
Noreen gave her a helpless, affectionate smile. “Fine. Let’s go get some nourishing soup instead.”
“Perfect.”
They got up and left as quickly as they’d arrived.
Meanwhile, in one of the private rooms inside the barbecue place, Forrest returned with a tray of dipping sauces.
Bianca looked at him, half–joking, half–complaining. “Why the sudden craving for barbecue? Seth’s barely over the flu.”
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Seth started to say he didn’t mind, but Yvonne Laurent jumped in, “You and Seth should go another restaurant. Your dad and I will stick with barbecue.”
“But today’s your anniversary!” Bianca protested.