Noreen didn’t go over to investigate; she just went straight home.

Ten minutes after she got home, Rosalind returned as well.

“Out for a late walk?” Noreen asked, acting as if she hadn’t seen anything.

Rosalind’s eyes flickered nervously. “I ate too much at dinner, so I went for a little walk.”

Noreen gave her a long look.

Rosalind avoided her gaze, saying it was getting late and Noreen should get some sleep.

Then she went into her own room.

On the day of the trial, both Noreen and Rosalind attended.

Just as they arrived at the courthouse, they ran into Forrest coming out.

Noreen didn’t pay him much mind, but Rosalind, beside her, suddenly froze.

“What’s wrong?” Noreen asked, turning back.

Rosalind quickly lowered her eyes and shook her head. “Nothing.”

They walked inside together, brushing past Forrest.

The trial went exactly as Noreen expected, with no surprises.

When Lana heard the verdict, she collapsed into tears, crying out that she was innocent and had only been an accomplice, so her sentence was too harsh.

The judge told her to be quiet, informing her that she could file an appeal if she disagreed with the ruling.

Crying and making a scene in court was not the way.

With no one to turn to, Lana began screaming at the main defendant, Yvonne, blaming her for ruining their lives and bringing misery upon her and her son.

Her words were vile.

But Yvonne just sat there, motionless.

Her eyes were fixed on Rosalind in the gallery.

They were like daggers dipped in poison, filled with intense hatred.

Even as she was being led out of the courtroom, she didn’t forget to turn back and glare viciously at Rosalind.

At the end of the month, Padgett Novak returned from Northcrest.

Noreen heard from her business contacts that Padgett was being transferred to Northcrest.

A huge promotion!

Someone like him, getting promoted twice in two years, was a rare sight.

His future was incredibly bright.

Shortly after hearing the news, Padgett called to ask Noreen to dinner.

Noreen postponed a conference call to meet him.

“Happy New Year.”

“Congratulations on the promotion.”

They spoke at almost the exact same time upon seeing each other.

After they spoke, they both froze for a moment, then looked at each other and smiled.

“Are you back to handle the transition?” Noreen asked.

Padgett nodded. “Yes, I only have two days. It’s very rushed.”

He had to squeeze in time just to see Noreen.

Ordinarily, Padgett should have been ecstatic.

But he didn’t seem particularly happy.

Noreen voiced her thoughts. “Northcrest is a great opportunity. You should be happy.”

It was the center of power.

Being promoted to Northcrest meant he had earned a place at the table.

It was an opportunity countless people dreamed of.

Padgett’s gaze drifted to the swaying branches outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

After a long pause, he finally said, “Northcrest is great.”

It just didn’t have Noreen.

When he was in Rivercrest City, they were both so busy they barely had

me to see each other Conte ad

Once he moved to Northcrest, even just meeting up would become a luxury.

“Anyway, let’s not talk about me. How have you been lately?” Padgett changed the subject turning his attention to Noreen.

In truth, Padgett had kept up with her life.

Her academic and professional careers were both flourishing.

But her personal life…

Padgett knew Noreen had no shortage of excellent suitors.

He worried that once they were in different cities, he would completely lose his chance.

Noreen told him everything was fine.

then ask me

Padgett thought for a moment and Do you mind.

tong-distance relationships verne

Noreen knew Padgett was a straightforward person.

After all, he had asked her out the very first time they met.

So, his directness this time didn’t surprise her.