Chapter 34

The relationship between father and son had always been strained.
When Noreen first met Seth, things between him and his father were at their
absolute worst.
Wade wanted Seth to take over the Harcourt family’s business empire, but Seth was determined to strike out on his own.
Evelyn once said the two of them had an explosive fight that night–screaming matches echoing through the study, the place left in shambles, priceless antiques shattered beyond repair.
In the end, Seth had stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Wade made it crystal clear to everyone: no one was to support Aurelion Group out of respect for the Harcourt name–or for Wade himself.
So during those first couple of years, Aurelion Group barely scraped by.
Even though Seth was the only heir to the Harcourt family, it didn’t give him the slightest advantage.
It was only in recent years, thanks to Noreen’s efforts, that the rift between father and son began to heal.
Truth be told, Wade hadn’t cared much for Noreen at first, either.
He was curt and icy–disdainful glares and harsh words were the norm.
That’s when Noreen realized exactly where Seth had inherited his sharp tongue and cold temperament.
But Noreen wasn’t one to give up easily; she kept reaching out, warm and persistent, even when Wade met her kindness with indifference. Instead of backing down, she only became more determined.
It was her tenacity that finally broke through Wade’s frosty exterior, softening his
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Evelyn often said that if anyone deserved credit for mending the bond between father and son, it was Noreen.
If she hadn’t worked so hard to mediate, who knew how long Seth and Wade would have kept up their silent war.
“Mr. Harcourt, feeding the fish?” Noreen paused at the door, schooling her features
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Chapter 34
into a bright smile before stepping into the room to greet Wade.
Wade’s face remained impassive, but he gave a brief grunt in reply.
Noreen set the box of pastries she’d brought on the table in front of him. “These just came out of the oven, Mr. Harcourt. Best while they’re still warm–if you wait too long, they lose their crunch.”
Wade put down the bowl of fish food, dusted off his hands, and picked up a pastry. He ate two in quick succession.
When he reached for a third, Noreen whisked the box out of his reach.
He glared at her.
She grinned back, unruffled. “Easy, Mr. Harcourt. Watch your blood sugar. Save the rest for tomorrow–I’ll have Evelyn put them away for you.”
Wade snorted, then, after a moment, asked, “How’s he doing?”
Noreen knew exactly who he meant: Seth.
She answered with a cheerful smile, “He’s doing well.”
Spring had come for Seth, and it suited him.
After all, when you’ve found success in both love and business, what’s not to be happy about?
“And you?” Wade asked.
Noreen hesitated. She wasn’t used to Wade showing this kind of concern.
But she replied politely, “I’m doing well too.”
“You’re twenty–eight this year, aren’t you?” Wade resumed tossing fish food into the pond.
Trust the wealthy to even have koi that looked plump and pampered.
Noreen wondered what he was getting at.
Before she could figure it out, Wade continued, “You’re not so young anymore. It’s time to think about the next stage of your life.”
His words tugged at something inside her, splitting her emotions in two.
She had planned to take that next step with Seth this year.
She’d even bought the ring.
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She’d been so close.
Just a little further…
But that tiny gap had thrown her entire life off course.
In love, she always seemed to fall just short of happiness.
Noreen didn’t know how to answer Wade’s question–she’d already made up her mind to step away.
Three’s a crowd.
She’d chosen to be single, to find happiness on her own.
Wade, however, mistook her silence for embarrassment and offered, “Let’s find a time soon. Seth and I can take you and your mother out to dinner, talk about your wedding plans.”