Chapter 394

Despite her reassuring words, Yvonne was anxious. The main issue was that Wade was already in the process of drafting his will, which introduced far too many uncertainties. Even though Seth had made it clear the engagement was still on, who knew what the future held?
To be safe, while Bianca was resting, Yvonne stepped outside to make a call.
“Are you going to do something about this or not?” she demanded into the phone. “She’s your daughter, after all.”
A pause.
“And another thing. There’s a woman named Noreen who’s always causing trouble for Bianca. She’s managing that Port Redevelopment Project for the government, right? I need you to find a way to throw a wrench in the works. Don’t let things go too smoothly for her.”
***
Noreen had just finished a meeting when Sophia entered her office. “Mr. Jude from the Seymour Group is here again.”
Noreen glanced up from her work.
Sophia immediately added, “I sent him away.”
Noreen’s gaze returned to her computer screen as she resumed her work.
“How long do you think he’ll keep this up?” Sophia wondered.
“I have no idea.” Noreen didn’t have the time or energy to waste on such a trivial matter.
“I give him three visits, tops,” Sophia wagered. Google seaʀᴄh.net
Noreen, her fingers flying across the keyboard, replied without looking up, “I wouldn’t be so sure.” The Seymour Group was in dire straits. It all depended on whether Jude had a conscience.
Not five minutes later, Sophia rushed back into the office. “Noreen, Mr. Brooke from the Brooke Group is here.”
Noreen’s typing paused, and she frowned slightly. “What does he want?”
“He says he’s here to discuss a partnership,” Sophia relayed.
The answer surprised Noreen. She and Henry had had several potential opportunities to collaborate in the past, all of which he had declined, And now he was showing up at her door to talk about a partnership? Did he think Winrich was a stall at a flea market where he could just pick and choose as he pleased? That there were no standards?
Without a second thought, Noreen instructed Sophia, “Turn him away.” “Yes, ma’am.”
Sophia clearly conveyed Noreen’s sentiment to Henry. The rejection caused his face to cloud over instantly. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Did you tell Ms. Gilmore that I am the CEO of the Brooke Group?”
Sophia managed a polite, if slightly forced, smile. “Yes, Mr. Brooke. I made sure to mention your name and specifically emphasized your title as CEO of the Brooke Group.”
Henry was already annoyed, and
now being spoken to with such veiled sarcasm by a mere assistant only fueled his irritation. He had
come in person, a gesture he
ered the utmost show of
sincerity. And in return, Noreen had disrespected him completely.
*So unprofessional,* he thought. *Always mixing personal feelings with business.*
Unfortunately, Vincent had been explicit: if he wanted to move forward, he had to talk to Noreen directly. But with an attitude like this, how was he supposed to negotiate?
In the past, Henry would have turned on his heel and walked out. He had his pride. But now, if he didn’t secure a partnership with Noreen he would be forced to abandon the Centrbo acquisition. The Brooke Group would lose its chance to break into the tech industry and transform its business model.
The thought made his expression turn even grimmer.
Just after Henry left, Noreen received a call from Vincent. He was upfront with her, admitting that Henry had approached him a couple of days ago.
Noreen wasn’t surprised. Talent like Vincent was always in high demand. She had already prepared for the possibility that he might choose to go with someone else. But from the sound of it, Vincent’s decision was firm.
Noreen now knew exactly where she stood.
A moment later, her phone rang again. It was Claire, calling to invite her to dinner. She said she’d already booked a table and Noreen should just head straight over.
It wasn’t until Noreen arrived that she realized Claire had invited someone else.