Chapter 67

Noreen found herself holding her breath, almost without realizing it.
She hadn’t expected things to go this smoothly.
Maybe Seth never really cared whether she stayed or left.
That was fine by her.
In fact, it was perfect.
From now on, they owed each other nothing; they could both get on with their lives.
Bianca, whose nerves had been stretched taut, finally relaxed a little at Seth’s words. She even allowed herself a faint smile.
But Seth’s jaw was clenched, his eyes stormy with restrained anger. “We stick to the contract. Pay the penalty today, and you’re free to walk out–no one’s going to stop you!” His words struck Noreen right where it hurt.
She realized she’d overestimated Seth again.
He was a textbook capitalist–why would he suddenly develop a conscience?
In a quiet corner, unnoticed by anyone, Bianca pressed her lips together, worry flickering in her eyes.
Was Seth really only holding onto Noreen because of the penalty clause?
That afternoon, Noreen barely got anything done. She just hunched over her computer, poring over the ironclad employment contract she’d foolishly signed.
The Aurelion Group’s legal team was no joke.
There wasn’t a single loophole she could exploit.
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In other words, unless she coughed up the penalty or Seth, out of the goodness of his heart, approved her resignation, she had no other way
out.
The realization left her feeling hopeless.
All the impulsiveness from before had come back to haunt her, and now she was drowning in regret.
You really do have to pay the price for youthful recklessness.
If she couldn’t beat him head–on, then maybe she should just give up and let this capitalist pay her to sit around and do nothing!
Noreen powered down her computer right on the dot and left work as usual.
She’d barely stepped into the elevator when her phone rang–it was Seth.
As if he’d calculated her every move, he didn’t bother calling her office line. He went straight for her cell.
Apparently, from now on she’d have to shut off her phone as punctually as she logged off her computer.
Reluctantly, she answered.
Seth’s voice was cold and commanding. “Meeting in ten minutes.”
Noreen paused before replying, “Mr. Harcourt, my workday’s over.”
She could practically picture his face darkening with irritation.
But so what?
Out of sight, out of mind.
So, without hesitation, she hung up.
All the frustration she’d bottled up that afternoon finally found a release–however fleeting.
It felt good, even if it wouldn’t last.
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If Seth refused to let her go, he’d better be ready to deal with her little acts of rebellion.
She had nothing to lose–what did she have to be afraid of?
Still enjoying her tiny act of defiance, Noreen had just stepped out of the office building when she ran into someone familiar. Updates are released by.net
It was Dylan.
He’d come specifically to find her, saying he wanted to take her to try on dresses for the upcoming charity gala.
She’d almost forgotten she’d agreed to be his plus–one.
What Noreen didn’t expect was that Dylan would take her to Myriad Atelier, one of the most exclusive dress boutiques in Rivercrest City.
“What’s wrong?” Dylan asked when he noticed her lingering outside,
staring at the sign.
Noreen shook her head. “Nothing.”
“This place is pretty famous around here. I just hope they have something you’ll like.”
It was clear Dylan had called ahead; the manager greeted them personally and with great enthusiasm.
“These are our latest arrivals,” the manager said, eager to help.
Noreen picked out a pale lavender gown and was about to try it on when the manager received a phone call. Her expression shifted, and she returned looking apologetic. “I’m so sorry, but this dress has already been reserved by another client.”
Noreen didn’t mind and selected another style instead.
With her figure, she looked good in anything, so it didn’t take long for her to decide.
Dylan checked his watch. It was just about dinner time, so he suggested they grab a bite to eat together.
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Chapter 68