Provost Ferris, despite being a man, despised cheaters. He turned to Noreen with a comforting smile. "Don't worry. Breaking up before the wedding is a blessing in disguise."

Noreen remained quiet, her expression still unruffled. "It was my mistake for being too young," ," she said, her voice calm as still water, enunciating each word. "I couldn't tell a decent man from a dog."

Bianca looked at Seth nervously and saw that he was watching Noreen, his eyes dark and unreadable. Her expression sank, a knot of displeasure tightening in her chest.

Just then, Dylan arrived, slightly out of breath. "Noreen, sorry, have you been waiting long? I ran into an old acquaintance and got caught up."

"Not at all," Noreen said, smiling at him. She turned to the Provost. "Provost Ferris, I should get going. Thank you for your hospitality today. I'll treat you to dinner sometime."

"Sounds good," the Provost agreed readily.

Dylan gave the others a polite nod before falling into step beside Noreen as they walked away.

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked.

"Anything's fine."

"I remember you used to love the chicken and wild rice soup at The Chandler House. I wonder if it's still open?"

Noreen looked at him, surprised. "You still remember that?"

"Of course. I've always remembered the things you like." As he spoke, Dylan reached out and playfully ruffled her hair, an act of pure, familiar affection. They looked like a couple who had been in love for years.

Provost Ferris watched them go for a moment before turning back to Professor William and the others. "Well, shall we head to dinner?"

"Seth," Bianca murmured, her voice soft.

Seth's gaze lingered on the departing pair for another second before he coolly looked away and responded to Bianca. "Let's go."

Bianca finally let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Good. Seth hadn't been captivated by Noreen after all.

The fact that she'd gotten into a top business school was surprising, yes, but it didn't necessarily mean Seth would care. In fact, it seemed no matter what she did or achieved, Seth wouldn't care.

Because he simply didn't care about Noreen as a person.

The realization lifted Bianca's spirits considerably. She linked her arm through Seth's again, chattering happily about the day's events.

To their pleasant surprise, The Chandler House, the restaurant Noreen loved, was still in business.

"I can't believe this place has been open for so long," Noreen marveled.

"It just goes to show the owner is a persistent person," Dylan remarked thoughtfully.

Noreen agreed. To stick with something for seven years... that was true dedication.

Claire propped her chin on her

hands, her eyes darting

eyes darting between the

two of them After a home ent

came to a firm conclusion

The way Dylan looked at Noreen was far from innocent. It was definitely the look

of a man in love.

While he was a great catch in many respects-good character, successful-he had one major flaw.

He had dated Bianca.

That was a stain that would be very difficult to wash out.

Claire silently pitied him.

Over their

meat, Noreen updated

Dylan on her work. InnoCore was

already preparing for its IPO. If successful, it would be the fastest company to go public in Rivercrest a City's history. Dylan was fully supportive, promising his complete cooperation.

Partway through, Jude Wilder called. "Dylan, where are you?"

"Having dinner."

"And you didn't invite me? Never mind, send me your location. I'm coming over."

Jude had been stewing in suspenset

all afternoon and wasrs.

talk to

Dylan and get some

Dylan paused before responding. "Are you sure you want to come?"

"Of course!"

"I'm with Noreen."

Jude went silent. "...On second thought, never mind. You guys enjoy your meal."

He sounded completely deflated.