Chapter 555

Bianca returned to the Lowell family estate in high spirits, arriving to find her father, Forrest Lowell, was also home. She greeted him cheerfully before asking about the status of PerseTech's review.

"I had dinner with the commissioner just yesterday," Forrest said, his tone casual but reassuring. "He mentioned that the project has garnered significant attention from the higher-ups."

Given his sensitive position, Forrest couldn't elaborate, but Bianca understood the implication. If the project was being watched from above, it meant its prospects were bright, and its chances of a successful IPO were extremely high. It was truly a day of double blessings.

That weekend, Noreen flew to Glenhaven City to visit little Joe. Castle Joyner must have known she was coming, as he had instructed his housekeeper to prepare a room and dinner for her. He himself was out of the country on business. The room was in the Joyner Mansion itself, and being there stirred memories of Mrs. Joyner. But it was a bittersweet feeling; every trace of Mrs. Joyner had been erased from the mansion, as if she had never existed. Yet, she lived on, ever-present in the hearts of those who loved her.

Noreen returned to Rivercrest City on Sunday morning for a charity auction that evening hosted by Mrs. Naylor. It turned out Healy hadn't come back for his mother's restaurant anniversary because he was waiting for this gala—the true highlight of the Naylor family's social calendar.

Before heading out, Jude sent a message to his group chat, tagging Bianca. "What time are you getting there?"

A while later, Bianca replied, "I have an important engagement. I can't make it."

Jude was audibly disappointed. "Aw, I thought we could all hang out."

"Let's get together in a couple of days," Bianca wrote back. "I have some good news to announce."

"What good news?" Jude immediately pressed.

"You'll find out then," she replied, leaving him in suspense. No matter how much he prodded, she said nothing more.

Bianca was currently at a high-end jewelry boutique with Lillian. As her phone buzzed incessantly, Lillian asked, "Aren't you going to check that?"

"It's nothing," Bianca said, admiring her reflection in the mirror. "What do you think of this diamond necklace?"

"It's beautiful," Lillian gushed. "But you're so gorgeous, you make everything look good."

Bianca decided to take the necklace on the spot then instructed the sales associate to bring out all the latest and most fashionable pieces for her to browse. Lillian watched, her heart filled with envy. In less than two hours, Bianca had

amassed seven or eight shopping bags rifled with designer clothes, luxury handbags, and countless pieces of jewelry. Lillian roughly estimated she had already spent well over a million dollars-more than her entire yearly allowance. And Bianca showed no signs of stopping.

"Bianca, won't Seth say anything about you spending so much?"

Bianca let out a light laugh. "This? This is nothing. Seth has always been incredibly generous with me."

Lillian was consumed by a mix of

jealousy and admiration. Why couldn't she find a perfect man like

Seth? "By the way," she said, "I heard

Healy is back in town for his mother's charity gala. Why aren't you going?"

Bianca's gaze lowered, her expression unreadable. "I have to prepare for my celebration party. I'm just too busy."

Lillian accepted the excuse at face value, though she was personally disappointed. She had hoped to see Healy there. Only Bianca knew the real reason she wasn't attending the gala she hadn't received an invitation.

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