Chapter 23

Back when she was conducting due diligence for the project, Noreen had visited AeroEdge countless times–she knew the place inside out.
Whenever she introduced the company, she did so with effortless confidence and professionalism.
Even Ramsey, the boss, looked at Noreen with genuine approval and admiration.
The AeroEdge staff were just as warm. From engineers to security guards, even the cleaning ladies–everyone greeted her with heartfelt familiarity.
“Secretary Gilmore, are you leaving today? If not, come over for dinner after work! My wife’s been wanting to thank you in person. If you hadn’t helped her find a new school for our son, he probably would’ve dropped out.”
Ryan Cole, Aero Edge’s chief engineer, made a point of coming over to thank her.
“How’s Howie adjusting to his new school?” Noreen asked Ryan, rolling right into
the conversation.
“He’s doing great–all thanks to you! He loves that e–sports program, he’s more motivated than ever, and his teachers say he’s top of the class. My wife and I used to think gaming was a waste of time. Who knew it could become a real career? We owe you so much for opening our eyes.”
Noreen smiled. “Oh, it was nothing. I just happened to know a bit about e–sports projects, that’s all. I’m glad I could help–tell your wife there’s really no need to fuss.”
“No, really, you don’t know what a huge problem you solved for us. We can’t thank you enough!”
“ I’ll probably have to head back to Rivercrest City tonight, but I appreciate the invitation.”
Ryan looked genuinely disappointed to hear she was leaving so soon.
Ramsey chimed in, “AeroEdge and Aurelion Group have a partnership now. There will be plenty more chances to treat Secretary Gilmore to dinner–no need to rush.”
Ryan laughed. “True, I guess I’m just impatient. Next time, then, you have to let us host you properly!”
Noreen didn’t give a definite answer.
1/3
11:59 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ
Chapter 23
She was about to leave Aurelion Group.
No matter what Seth thought, her decision was made.
“Secretary Gilmore’s really popular around here,” Bianca remarked.
Ramsey grinned. “Popular? If we ranked staff favorites, Secretary Gilmore would be ahead of me by a mile!”
Bianca’s tone was hard to read–half compliment, half something else. “I’ve been abroad too long–I’m hopeless at navigating all these complicated social
situations. I should take notes from Secretary Gilmore.”
Seth smirked. “No need. You’re the investment director, not the PR manager.”
Bianca’s smile widened, her tone suddenly playful. “I just want to be as well–rounded as Secretary Gilmore.”
“You don’t have to,” Seth replied, his voice gentler now, almost indulgent. “I know you hate that stuff. Don’t force yourself.”
Ramsey, watching from the sidelines, took it all in with interest.
Once the others had walked off, he turned to Noreen, who was still standing in place. “So, Director Lowell–is she Mr. Harcourt’s girlfriend?”
Noreen opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat. “I’m not really sure.”
After all, Seth hadn’t made anything official. It wasn’t her place to define their relationship.
Even if she knew it was only a matter of time.
Ramsey, on the other hand, was certain. “I’ve got a feeling she is. I just hope I didn’t offend the future Mrs. Harcourt with how firm I was earlier.”
With that, he hurried off to catch up with the others.
Noreen stayed where she was, a heavy ache twisting in her lower abdomen.
Who actually enjoys schmoozing?
All these years, she’d forced herself to be perfect charming anyone who might become a partner to Aurelion Group.
Yet to Seth, none of it mattered.
All that hard work, in the end, just became ammunition to cut her down.
It took her a while to gather herself.
212
11:59 1
Chapter 23
She didn’t follow the others. Instead, she pressed both hands to her stomach and slowly crouched down.
The painkillers had stopped working.
When Ramsey returned with Seth and the others, they found Noreen sitting in a
chair, quietly sipping the warm ginger tea the cleaning lady had made for her.
2/2