Fortunately, the paring knife wasn’t very sharp, so the cut was shallow.

Still, it made Noreen feel like she owed Seth yet another debt.

Five years ago, when she decided to let go of their relationship and look forward without looking back, she had resolved to sever all ties with him.

So, any incident that shook her resolve felt like a bad omen.

Deep down, she rejected the idea completely.

You couldn’t just forget the pain the moment the wound healed.

Because of that, she waited until the doctor finished treating Seth’s hand, and then she left.

She didn’t look at him on her way out.

She didn’t even say goodbye.

However, once she was in the car and Dariel asked if they were heading straight to

the airport, she hesitated for a few seconds.

“We’re not going back to Rivercrest City just yet.”

Dariel glanced at her in the rearview mirror.

Noreen felt the need to explain. “Centribo and Regaluxe Group are in the early stages of negotiating a partnership right now.”

She paused, then added, almost as if trying to convince herself.

“It’s highly important.”

The owner of Regaluxe Group was a Portuguese businessman, known for his strict rules and high standards.

Thankfully, with Castle Joyner’s connections, they had managed to get their foot in the door.

Out of respect for Castle, Regaluxe had even sent Centribo an invitation to their anniversary gala.

She attended the event alongside Vincent, never expecting to run into Seth Harcourt there.

Calculating the days, it had been five days since she left the hospital.

The caregiver had called her the night before to report that Seth had been discharged and his wounds were healing well.

He was eating on time, too.

He just didn’t speak much, nor did he smile.

Most of the time, he sat quietly by himself.

He would either stare out the window in a daze…

Or, whenever there was a noise at the door, his eyes would dart over expectantly.

When no one appeared, he would look away and go back to staring into space.

Seeing him now, the cut on his cheekbone had mostly faded.

As for his other injuries, they were hidden beneath his tailored suit.

However, when he raised his glass to drink, a surgical dressing was still faintly visible on his palm.

Noreen furrowed her brow.

Drinking while still recovering?

As if sensing her gaze, Seth looked in her direction.

Their eyes met across the crowded room.

Noreen quickly looked away, pretending nothing happened as she continued chatting with the guests.

Beside her Vincent noticed Seth and

grew excited. “I didn’t expect Mr. Harcourt to bet

Tere. Lets go

SWIT

hello.”

Noreen politely declined.

Realizing the awkward history

between the two, Vincent gave an

embarrassed chuckler

Weet

unjust

head over to greet him myself.

Back when Seth founded Ascendancy Group, Vincent had been his right-hand man.

They had a solid professional history, so it was only natural for him to pay his respects.

Noreen nodded, refusing to spare Seth a single glance the entire time.

After Vincent walked over, he and Seth exchanged a few words.

He had intended to catch up properly, but it was obvious Seth’s mind was elsewhere.

For fifty seconds out of every minute, his eyes were locked on Noreen.

His gaze followed her every move.

Making no effort to hide it.

Seeing this Vincent couldn’t help but ask, “Are you not going over to

to Ms Gilmore, Mr. Harcosay hi

Seth’s voice was flat and muffled. “She doesn’t want to see me.”

Since they went way back, Vincent was genuinely surprised to see this side of him.

It really was true…

What goes around comes around.

Karma spared no one.

In the past, Noreen only had eyes for Seth.

Now, their roles had completely reversed.

The world worked in mysterious ways.

“So, you’re just going to stand here and watch her from afar?” Vincent asked.

Seth’s tone grew even heavier. “In a crowd like this, at least she won’t chase me away.”