Bianca felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach. Seth had been out of Rivercrest City for days, hunting for new investors, and she was left to fend for herself.
He must have been swamped, because he never picked up his phone. He'd reply to her messages, but usually while she was asleep. By the time she woke up and texted back, he'd be gone again, leaving her in Rivercrest City to deal with the vultures threatening to pull their funding.
That night, just before bed, Bianca tried calling him again. The phone rang for so long she was about to give up when he finally answered.
"Seth," she said, a wave of relief washing over her. "Are you done for the day?"
His voice was heavy with exhaustion, but still magnetic. "Just about. I'll be back in Rivercrest City tomorrow. I know it's been tough on you these last few days."
"Does that mean you found new investors?" Bianca clutched her phone tighter.
"I did. I'll introduce you during the Northcrest roadshow."
His words were a balm, instantly dissolving the panic that had plagued her for days. Her confidence surged back.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow," she said, her voice bright with excitement.
"Sounds good," Seth replied.
She wanted to talk longer, to offer some words of comfort and affection. Men, after all, needed a little soothing and encouragement when they were tired. It made them more willing to go to bat for you. But before she could say another word, Seth had already hung up.
Bianca froze for a second, a strange sense of disappointment creeping in. It was the first time he'd ever ended their call so abruptly. But she quickly chided herself for being petty. Seth was out there fighting for her, for PerseTech. The last thing she should be doing was getting hung up on trivial details. It was beneath her.
***
The next day, Bianca applied her makeup with meticulous care before driving to the airport to meet Seth. She arrived a little early, before his flight had landed. A woman who was also waiting for someone recognized her.
"You're Mr. Harcourt's fiancée, aren't you?" she asked.

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