Chapter 899

She could only stand there, watching the ripples spread across the once-calm surface of her heart. Watching new shoots sprout from dead wood.

She took the torn paper, deliberated for a moment, and tucked it into her phone case. Then she composed herself and called for a departmental meeting.

Jennifer Shaw arrived in the afternoon. Noreen discussed business with her for a bit, and once Claire Chase showed up, the three headed out for dinner.

Claire had been bored out of her mind on vacation, constantly messaging Jennifer. Their conversations usually boiled down to: 'Come visit me, I'll take you to see all the hot guys in Rivercrest City.' So Jennifer had been flying in quite frequently. Claire planned the entire itinerary today. First, a feast at The Titan's Table. Then, over to the Karaoke Bar to sing their lungs out.

Claire had an amazing voice, and Jennifer was just as good. For two straight hours, Noreen didn't get a moment of peace. To make matters worse, Claire forced her to mute her phone, forbidding her from working while they were out having fun.

After singing, Claire was hungry again, complaining she was too busy checking out the waiters at The Titan's Table to actually eat. So the trio moved to the Street Food Stalls for barbecue, crawfish, and beer.

Influenced by the two extroverts, Noreen, the classic introvert, finally let loose and drank with them. Even though the weather was awful and the rain hadn't stopped, it didn't ruin their mood. It actually felt quite cozy.

Claire and Jennifer went all out, knocking back a lot of drinks. Noreen paced herself better, but her mind still felt pleasantly fuzzy.

She had the driver drop Jennifer at her hotel first. When they arrived, Claire was still full of energy and insisted on keeping the party going in Jennifer's room.

Noreen rubbed her temples. "You guys have fun. I'm flying to Harborview City tomorrow, so I'm calling it a night."

"Alright, get home safe!" Claire waved cheerfully, linking arms with Jennifer as they walked into the lobby.

Once she confirmed they made it to the room, Noreen got back in the car to head home. By the time the car pulled up to her building, it was already 1:00 AM.

As the car navigated the roundabout near the entrance, Noreen caught sight of a familiar figure. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively called out to the driver, "Stop the car."

Seth had no idea how long he had been standing there. When he left the hospital that afternoon Jude told him to go home a

change so he wouldn't scare Noreen with the bloodstains. But he was too

desperate to see her, so he came

exactly as he was.

He had called her, but no one answered. Eventually, her phone was turned off, completely unreachable. He had asked Sophia Cole, who said Noreen was out with Claire but didn't know where or for how long.

The burning urgency to see her slowly settled into a quiet wait. He repeatedly stared

at the note she left.

[Live well,]

He read it countless times, analyzing every word to understand what she meant. But he couldn't figure out why it ended with a comma instead Ainstead of a period. It was as if there was more left unsaid. Just like their retationship. It wasn't time for a period yet.

It had been drizzling all day, and the temperature had plummeted. He had rushed over without a coat. The dampness had seeped into his clothes, and the night wind cut him straight to the bone.