bChapter /bb295 /b

In that moment, Bianca’s face clouded over, her expression difficult to read.

Henry, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly spoke up. “Bianca is an outstanding investor in her own right,” he announced to the room. “She holds a PhD in Finance from WT Business School.”

It was obvious he wasing to her defense.

Castle looked genuinely surprised when he heard this. Recovering quickly, he offered Bianca his hand again, apologizing with a wry smile. “Forgive me–I misjudged you. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Hugh Summers chimed in to help smooth things over. “Honestly, Director Lowell, you’re so beautiful it’s easy to overlook how aplished you are.”

With the affirmation from those around her, Bianca’s confidence returned. She shot Henry a grateful nce before turning to Castle. “You’re too kind, Mr. Joyner.”

Perhaps feeling the need to make up for his earlier blunder, Castle lingered in conversation. “WT Business School is a world–ss institution. You’re proof that talent and beauty can go hand in hand. May I ask–where are you working now?”

“Aurelion Group,” she replied.

Castle nodded approvingly. “That’s an impressivepany. Very impressive indeed.”

He didn’t miss the chance topliment Seth’s judgment either. “With talent like this on your team, Seth, it’s only a matter of time before your firm eclipses everything your father built.”

With the spotlight back on her, Bianca seized the opportunity to engage Castle further, weaving stories of her impressive career.

When Castle found out she’d worked at Grand Trust Bank, his eyebrows climbed higher in surprise. But as Bianca went on, describing her achievements there, his smile gradually faded.

“So it was you who orchestrated the Aeterna Industries port sale,” he said, his tone suddenly cooler.

Bianca, oblivious to the subtle shift, smiled proudly. “Yes, that deal was worth $25 billion–the biggest project I handled during my time at Grand Trust.”

Noreen, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help scoffing to herself. Did Bianca really think she was so impressive just fornding that port redevelopment contract? She was celebrating far too soon. After all, Noreen had already closed a project worth nearly $200 billion a full year earlier. Bianca’s crowning achievement was nothing more than Noreen’s starting line.

But after that, Castle merely nodded and, without furtherment, turned his attention to Noreen, asking her about InnoCore instead. His demeanor brightened noticeably during their conversation.

Bianca was confused by Castle’s abrupt change in attitude. She guessed it had something to do with business ties between Castle and Noreen’spany–maybe he was just being pragmatic.

She nced away, unconsciously searching the crowd for Seth. He’d been gone for quite a while, and she wondered what was keeping him. fn88ad This update is avable on find?novel/fn88ad

b12:28 /b

The air conditioning in the room was on full st, and Bianca, dressed in a strapless gown, started to feel chilled. She instinctively rubbed her bare arms, trying to warm herself.

Henry noticed immediately. He started to shrug off his jacket, ready to drape it over her shoulders. But someone else beat him to it.

Bianca looked up to see Seth, who had just returned, settling his jacket around her.

Henry caught sight of Seth and quietly put his own jacket back on.

Bianca’s irritation vanished the instant she saw Seth. Smiling, she asked, “Where’d you disappear to?”

“Had to take a call,” Seth replied. “It’s raining outside, and it’s gotten a bit chilly.”

After making sure she was warm, Seth nodded a greeting to Castle, then signaled he was ready to olligo. /li/ol

Henry, seeing Bianca was leaving, slipped his arms back into his jacket and politely said his goodbyes to Castle as well–there was no reason for him to stay any longer.

Castle, a little distant, asked Hugh to see the guests out on his behalf, staying behind to continue his conversation with Noreen. He seemed genuinely impressed by her.

Bianca noticed, and her smile faded just a little.

Noreen and Castle hit it off, exchanging contact information before the evening wound down.

By the time the event ended, the rain outside had stopped. Castle personally saw Noreen to the door, telling her they should get together again soon.