Noelle’s lips tightened. “I did say it.”

Frank paled. “I… I must’ve forgotten. So sorry, Noelle. My fault. There are always openings at Liddell.” He couldn’t lose her.

Noelle’s sharp gaze cut him to the quick. “Forget it. I’ll choose where I go.”

“Noelle, I really—”

Alfred cut him off. “Where were you? Now you regret it? Too late. She’s free to go. Stop guilt-tripping her!”

Noelle ignored Frank, turning to Bobby. “Software tested?”

“Yes, but Mr. Parham needs to review it.”

Bobby glanced at Alfred, confused. Why did Alfred and this Liddell heiress seem to know each other? Alfred shrugged. “I think it’s fine, but the company consultant should review it too.”

Cedric put down his papers. “Firewall’s secure, but future updates will have similar issues. You’ll need to address that.”

Noelle nodded. “I understand. It’s the firewall design. We can switch if it becomes problematic.”

“It’s a unique design,” Cedric continued. “Greatly improves stability, hard to replicate if used correctly. But you overlooked one thing…”

They delved into the firewall; others couldn’t get a word in.

Frank watched, noticing Noelle’s confident smile—a stranger to the woman he remembered. She’d grown, transformed. She wasn’t the little sister who trailed behind him anymore.

Alfred coughed. “Alright, you two continue privately. If the firewall’s good, we proceed with the contract.”

For Noelle’s sake, they did. Frank’s mood was a muddle. Looking at Cedric, he realized the doctor was far more than he seemed. He still didn’t know who Cedric really was.

Noelle hadn’t expected this connection between Alfred and Cedric. The air grew thick, awkward—like a disastrous blind date.

Frank cleared his throat. “Contract’s signed. Let’s celebrate—dinner?”

Cedric’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.

Frank looked at Noelle. “Noelle, your first project. You’ll get a share of the profits. Both companies should celebrate.”

She realized everyone was watching. She glanced at Alfred and Cedric, unsure if refusing would be awkward. It was a joint venture, after all.

Cedric spoke first. “It’s fine.”

Relieved, Noelle nodded. If they were going, she would too.

Dinner was arranged. In the private room, Frank addressed Cedric. “Dr. Greene, I didn’t expect such diverse interests.”

Cedric’s voice was icy. “Hmm. At least my family doesn’t suppress hobbies for ‘fairness.’”

Noelle’s lips curved. He was mocking Frank.

Undeterred, Frank countered, “Mr. Greene, what does your family do?”