Chapter: 1174

A sweet scent, likely Susanna's perfume, tickled Joanna's nose.

Glancing at her friend in the rearview mirror, she asked, "How's your brother doing, Susanna? I've heard whispers lately."

Susanna winked playfully. “Just rumors, nothing more. A tempest in a teapot, really."

Back at Scott Group headquarters, Frank Davis, Sean's assistant, placed a meticulously organized stack of documents on Sean's desk. He bowed slightly as he outlined the day's schedule.

"Mr. Scott," Frank began, “here's the cooperation proposal from the Wilson Group. You have a business conference this afternoon, followed by an exchange banquet at the Wilson Manor tonight."

Behind the opulent desk, the impeccably suited Sean exuded an air of undeniable charm.

“Additionally, Miss Harrison has requested to see you this evening."

Sean skimmed the proposal before casually remarking, “Have Marlene prepared to accompany me to the banquet.”

“Yes, sir," Frank replied, a hint of unease flickering across his face. After a moment's hesitation, he ventured, "Mr. Scott, the rumors about you and various actresses have been swirling for a month now. Should PR intervene?"

"Unnecessary," Sean replied, setting down the proposal and picking up his iPad.

He scanned the entertainment headlines in Glophia. Three out of the top ten stories featured his name, each linked to a different woman.

The media had been feasting on a steady diet of gossip about his social life for the past six months, churning out wild speculations every month.

Unfazed, Sean made no attempt to address the stories. Even if the “playboy" label stuck, it wouldn't truly affect him.

His gaze dropped, a flicker of sadness crossing his features.

Sometimes, the true value of something only became apparent after it was lost.

A year had passed since Norah's disappearance. Everyone had presumed her dead, lost at sea.

Sean reached into a drawer and retrieved a small perfume bottle, inhaling the Lingering fragrance gently.

Closing his eyes, he could almost feel Norah's presence beside him.

Unspoken words hung heavy in the air as Joanna decided to visit Silverdale. Susanna understood and didn't press for an explanation.

They drove in comfortable silence until Susanna spoke.

"I want to see the sea," she said, a yearning in her voice.

"Soon," Joanna promised, placing a comforting arm around Susanna's shoulder.

Finally, they stood on the shore, the breeze carrying the salty tang of the ocean.

The waves rolled in, whispering secrets against the sand.