Chapter 653
The day Winrich and Aether Entertainment went public, the weather was exceptionally beautiful.
The air was clear, the sun was bright, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Noreen ascended to the stock exchange’s podium under the watchful eyes of everyone present. The spotlights converged on her, seemingly bathing her in a halo
of light.
Below the stage was a dense crowd of media reporters, a forest of cameras and lenses all aimed at her.
The flashes went off incessantly, like a sea of stars crowning her.
“Ms. Gilmore, with Winrich’s valuation exceeding 500 billion on its first day of trading, how are you feeling right now?” a reporter shouted.
Noreen remained composed, her voice clear and powerful as she answered, “This is just the beginning.”
Those simple words, amplified by the microphone, echoed through the hall, carrying an undeniable air of authority.
A moment of dead silence fell over the room, followed by a thunderous burst of applause.
That was Noreen.
She picked up the golden gavel, a symbol of power, with a smooth, decisive motion.
*CLANG!*
The crisp sound of the bell rang out, echoing to the heavens and heralding the start of a new era.
Congratulatory messages poured in like a flood.
Unable to reply to them all, Noreen posted a message on Twitter to express her gratitude.
She also announced that in ten days, she would be hosting an IPO appreciation reception and dinner in Rivercrest City, extending a warm invitation to all her friends and colleagues.
After posting, Noreen silenced her phone.
She had other things to do today.
Colby drove the car to the hotel, where Rosalind Gilmore was already waiting by the entrance.
Noreen got out and walked up the steps. “Didn’t I tell you to wait in the room?”
Rosalind smiled. “I just came down. I haven’t been waiting long. Besides, Sophia was with me, wasn’t she?”
Sophia shrugged helplessly. “Mrs. Gilmore was getting restless in the room, so I brought her out for some fresh air.”
Noreen knew her mother’s personality well enough and could only thank Sophia for her trouble.
Sophia didn’t mind. She glanced at her watch and reminded them it was time to go. After picking up Rosalind, Noreen headed straight for Joyner Mansion.
They were there to pick up Katy.
Like Rosalind, Katy had been eagerly waiting at the door for some time.
Surprisingly, Castle Joyner was waiting with her.
Normally, he would have been at his office at this hour.
Seeing Noreen, Katy ran towards her happily.
Noreen got out of the car, took her hand, and greeted Castle. “I’ll take good care of Katy for the next three days.”
Castle naturally trusted Noreen, but
for safety’s sake, he assigned four bodyguards and a driver
accompany them at all times.
He anticipated she might refuse, so he explained that it was to ensure Katy’s safety.
As expected, Noreen had no reason to decline and allowed Castle’s arrangements.
In truth, she had no special plans other than to spend three days showing Rosalind and Katy around Glenhaven City.
Although it was Rosalind’s first time meeting Katy, they hit it off immediately, and she adored the little girl.
She even started telling stories about Noreen’s childhood, saying how smart she had been and how she never had to worry abouther schoolwork.
Katy, who was usually quiet, gradually began to smile and talk more in Rosalind’s company.
While she still spoke less than most, it was a significant improvement from before.
Listening to Rosalind talk about
schildhood, she comet
Noreen’s
help but ask curiously, “What the pretty lady’s daddy
Katy had always assumed Noreen came from a complete family with a loving mother and father, hence her innocent question.
Rosalind paused for a moment, then smiled. “Her daddy went to a place far, far away.”
Katy’s faint smile froze on her face. She asked quietly, “Did he pass away?”
Neither Rosalind nor Noreen expected Katy to guess the truth.