After the car dropped off the medical team at the hotel, Noreen, who had a meeting to get to, entrusted Katy to the doctor's care, promising to pick her up in the afternoon.
For the rest of the journey, it was just Noreen and the driver in the car.
The vehicle moved smoothly along the highway. Noreen was engrossed in reviewing project proposals for her company, her head bowed over her laptop. She was so focused that she didn't notice the persistent glances from the rearview mirror. The driver's gaze was filled with an unconcealed longing, as if he were memorizing her features, from the elegant curve of her neck to the strands of hair stirred by the gentle breeze…
His eyes finally came to rest on the ring she wore on the middle finger of her right hand.
The car came to a steady stop in front of Winrich Tower. Noreen closed her laptop and was about to open the door when the driver got out and opened it for her.
"Thank you," she said politely, her gaze not lingering.
Sophia was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Noreen arrive, she hurried over to greet her.
"Could you get the luggage?" Noreen said to Sophia, handing her the laptop bag.
As Sophia took the suitcase from the driver, she shot a quick glance at Noreen, who was already walking up the steps. Once she was sure Noreen was out of earshot, she hissed at the driver in a low voice, "This is the one and only time I'm breaking the rules for you! If Noreen finds out, I'm dead!"
"I know."
Sophia didn't dare to stay any longer and quickly wheeled the suitcase to catch up with Noreen.
Seth stood where he was, his eyes secretly following her until she disappeared from view. After a moment, his phone rang. He answered it calmly.
Jordan's anxious voice came through the line. "Where are you? I've been waiting forever!"
"On my way," Seth replied, his voice casual.
Jordan grumbled on the other end, "What's wrong with you? You're the one who needs to see a doctor, but you're not even in a hurry!"
Jude was about to agree when Seth spoke up, his tone bored.
"No, thanks. There's nothing to treat. Every day I'm alive now is a bonus. I don't want to go through the trouble."
"No!"
Both Jude and Jordan rejected his words in unison.
"Seth, you have to keep living, if only for Mr. Harcourt's sake," Jude pleaded, desperation in his voice.
Seth's eyes shifted slightly. "My mother and I both 'died' the year she passed away. Living this many extra years is more than enough."
Jude wanted to say more, but Seth had already stood up and grabbed his jacket. "I'm going home to have dinner with the old man. You guys do whatever."

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