Chapter 545

With that, the Seymour Group and the Wilder family were officially disconnected. All Noreen could do was wish him luck. She had no time to worry about Jude anyway; her exam was just days away.
On the morning of the exam, Noreen woke up early and headed to Rivercrest University. Returning to campus after four years felt different, nostalgic. She snapped a picture at the gate and sent it to Claire, who was off filming in some remote wilderness, asking for good luck.
“What a coincidence! The character I’m playing is a literal angel. I guarantee you’ll ace it!”
“I’ll take you up on that,” Noreen replied.
“Noreen! Have some faith in yourself! You’re the genius who slaved away at Aurelion Group while still effortlessly acing all your classes and winning a full scholarship!”
“Didn’t I also get last place once?”
Claire sent a string of eye-rolling emojis. “That’s because you skipped the exam!” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
It was a funny story. Noreen consistently ranked first, to the point where no one was surprised anymore. But one time she came in last, and the news blew up on the school’s online forum. In the end, that’s what people remembered most about her— that one viral post and the ‘last place’ label. Even Noreen herself joked about it.
Claire reminded her sternly, “Noreen, this is no time for false modesty!”
After a bit more idle chatter, Noreen put her phone away and prepared to enter the campus.
“Noreen.”
A voice called her name from behind. She turned, surprised to see Dylan. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a business trip abroad? Is your work done?”
She’d learned at a meeting at Omniva Group a few days prior that Dylan would be overseas all week for a syndicated loan project with a foreign bank.
“Not yet. I flew back for a bit,” he admitted freely. “How could I miss such an important day?” He was holding a single sunflower which he offered to her hope you soar today.”
“With a wish like that, I have to accept.” Noreen took the flower and brought it to her
nose, inhaling its fresh, dewy scent.
“Are you nervous?” Dylan asked.
“A little.”
“Then I’ll walk in with you.” He had already registered for campus access, just in case she needed him.
“That’s not necessary.” Noreen shook her head with a smile. “I can handle it.”
“Alright. Let’s have lunch after your exam is done.” Dylan deferred to her wishes.
Noreen was about to agree when several cars, all luxury models, pulled up to the entrance. Leading the procession was the Rolls-Royce Cullinan that Seth had bought for Bianca. The commotion drew a lot of attention with onlookers whispering about who could be arriving in such style.
When Bianca stepped out of the car, her eyes immediately fell on Dylan and Noreen standing a short distance away. Her gaze lingered for a moment before she gave a dismissive smirk.
Jude, getting out of the car behind her, was surprised to see Dylan. “Huh? Isn’t Dylan overseas?”
He had been to Omniva Group
several times last week but hadn’t
been able to see Dylan, whose assistant said he was swamped with international projects and couldn’t possibly return And yet here he was, in the flesh. To go to such lengths for Noreen
Bianca heard him and immediately understood, her expression turning cold.
Lillian, trailing behind, saw Noreen and scoffed. “She actually dared to show up!”