When Noreen turned around after sending the documents , she found Biancal already seated . But Bianca had taken Noreen's usual spot . Noreen froze for a moment , about to say something . But Seth spoke first . " From now on , you'll sit over there . " Bianca glanced at Noreen with an apologetic smile . " I still have a lot to learn around here , and it'll be easier to ask Seth questions if I'm closer . " Seth had made his decision - what could Noreen say ? Without a word , she gathered her files and laptop and moved to a seat by the window . No one else in the conference room dared to speak , but Noreen could feel the sympathetic glances from her colleagues . And those looks of pity felt like needles against her skin . Halfway through the meeting , Seth raised a question about one of the projects . " Why hasn't this project moved forward yet ? Who's responsible? " His tone was sharp ; everyone who knew him could sense he was about to lose his temper . The entire room fell silent . Under the weight of that silence , Noreen stood up . " I'm the one responsible . " Seth shot her a cold look . His voice was even sharper now . " Explain . " " I'm sorry . I was sick for a few days , so the timeline got pushed back- It She didn't even finish before Seth cut her off . " That's not an excuse . I've made it clear - no one is allowed to let personal issues interfere with work . That's the rule . " Noreen fell silent . She didn't argue , just nodded . " I'll catch up on the progress . " Seth finally seemed satisfied . Before the meeting ended , Seth turned to everyone with an announcement . He said he was hosting a welcome party for Bianca that evening at Hesper Lounge , 1/3 11:55 Chapter 5 and everyone from the company was invited . Hesper Lounge was the most upscale club in all of Rivercrest City - expensive , exclusive . A grand gesture , no doubt . And it made Seth's favoritism toward Bianca all the more obvious . Everyone's attitude toward Bianca shifted . Even Sophia , who was usually oblivious to office drama , picked up on the tension . As she helped Noreen tidy up the conference room , she whispered , " Noreen , are you okay ? " She was one of the few who had an inkling about what was really going on between Noreen and Seth . Noreen managed a calm reply . " I'm fine . " " But you look so pale… " Sophia said , concern written all over her face . Noreen touched her own cheek . " Is it that bad ? " Sophia nodded earnestly . " It's obvious . " " My stomach's acting up , you know how it is . Old problem ," Noreen said , making up an excuse . " Are you going to the welcome party tonight ? " Noreen considered it , then shook her head . " I'll skip it . Could you let Mr. Harcourt know for me ? " Seth had invited the entire company to Bianca's welcome party . With so many people there , one more or less wouldn't make a difference . Maybe Seth wouldn't even notice her absence . It didn't matter anymore if she went or not . " Good idea . Go home early and get some rest . Your health comes first , Sophia said , her voice gentle with concern . Even Sophia could see something was wrong . Yet Seth , who had once shared every intimacy with her , couldn't see it at all . >> She used to fool herself - it was just that Seth was focused on his career , too busy 212 11.55 Chapter 5 to notice the small things . But now , she couldn't believe that lie anymore . As if on cue , the pain in her stomach flared up again . She still had a stack of work to get through , so she popped another antispasmodic and forced herself to keep going . By the time she finally got home , she was so exhausted that all she could do was collapse on her bed , curling up and barely able to move a finger . Bone - tired , body and soul . She stayed curled up for a long time . When the pain eased a little , sleepiness overtook her . Maybe a good night's sleep would help , she thought . But just as she drifted off , her phone rang sharply . That ringtone - it was Seth's , the special one she used just for him . Once upon a time , it would have made her heart skip with anticipation . Now, it just felt like torture .