Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 17

Jude had expected Seth to be shocked. 

But to his surprise, Seth’s reaction was remarkably calm. “Hasn’t Johnson given up yet?” 

“So you mean…this isn’t the first time Johnson’s tried to poach Noreen?” 

“Yeah.” Seth sounded completely unfazed, even certain. “He won’t succeed. Noreen would never leave with him.” 

Jude agreed, letting out a derisive laugh. “Exactly. There’s no way Noreen would ever walk away from Aurelion Group.” 

Besides, as long as Seth remained at Aurelion Group, Noreen would never consider leaving. 

“She’s really got a knack for scheming, that one,” Jude went on, half–mocking, half–gloating. “I bet she invited Johnson to Luna Eclipse just so I’d bump into them, then made sure you’d hear about it. She wants you to think she’s considering a job switch–hoping you’ll make the first move to keep her.” 

He sounded like he had it all figured out. 

“My guess? She saw you giving Bianca all this attention and felt left out, so she’s playing these little games. It’s so cliché. Doesn’t she know guys hate it when women get jealous and try these petty tricks? The more she acts up, the more she’ll push you away.” 

“She really overestimates herself. Who does she think she is, anyway? How can she possibly compete with Bianca? Anyone with half a brain knows who you’d choose.” Seth had no patience for Jude’s gossip. He brushed him off with a few perfunctory remarks and ended the call. 

He opened the folder of documents awaiting his signature, and right at the top lay Noreen’s resignation letter. 

His brow creased, almost imperceptibly. 

Then he set the letter aside without a second glance and continued signing the rest of the papers. 

1/3 

11:58 

Chapter 17 

Noreen had enjoyed her conversation with Johnson; she was in high spirits as she stopped by the corner flower shop to buy herself a bouquet on the way home. 

It wasn’t until she unlocked her front door that she remembered–she didn’t own a 

vase. 

The cheerful mood faded a little as she looked around at all the things in the apartment that didn’t truly belong to her. 

She grabbed a cardboard box and packed away all her files, finally clearing off the dining table. 

A sweep of the room, and she finally spotted something that could serve as a makeshift vase: a trophy. 

The Aurelion Group’s “Outstanding Employee” trophy. 

Presented to her personally by Seth. 

Chapter 17 

To be more precise, she looked stunning. 

Though she only wore a touch of makeup, her whole demeanor had 

changed–fresh, graceful, and softly radiant. 

She was the kind of woman whose elegance drew everyone’s eye, men and women alike. 

“Thank you.” Noreen’s mood lifted even higher. 

She’d already had breakfast on the way in, so once at the office, she headed for the break room to get some water and take her stomach medicine. 

Just as she reached the door, she overheard a conversation inside. 

“Who do you think is prettier, Secretary Gilmore or Director Lowell?” 

“They’re not even the same type. You can’t really compare them.” 

“Maybe before, Director Lowell had the edge–Secretary Gilmore always looked so stiff, her clothes and makeup too severe, made her seem ten years older. But she’s got natural good looks. All it takes is a little effort and she just…glows.” 

“I know, right? She’s got such a vibe. I almost want to call her ‘big sis‘!”