Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 170

Mina had struggled with mental health issues before, so Noreen always worried a little extra about her well-being.

"Got it, secret-keeper!" Mina grinned, using their old nickname.

Noreen was just about to call her colleagues into the restaurant when another sedan pulled up in front of her.

The passenger window rolled down in a hurry, and a woman called out, "Ms. Gilmore, wait up!"

Noreen turned and saw it was Joyner, the CEO of Evergain Capital.

Joyner hopped out of the car and practically jogged over to her. "Ms. Gilmore! What a coincidence, you're here for sushi too? Since we've run into each other, let's eat together!"

Noreen managed a polite smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Joyner. We're here for a company dinner…"

But Joyner wasn't fazed. "No worries, you all go ahead with your dinner. I won't intrude. If you have a few minutes, maybe we could chat?"

It was obvious Joyner was here for business—specifically, to talk project collaboration.

Noreen wasn't surprised. For days, her phone had been ringing off the hook with people trying to reach her. She just hadn't expected Joyner to chase her down at a restaurant.

Still, a guest is a guest—and if she wanted to keep her network intact, she couldn't afford to offend a CEO.

So Noreen agreed.

Joyner's face lit up. "Great! I'll book a private room. I'll text you the details—just come over whenever you're free. I'll be waiting!"

She'd already walked a few steps away but turned back to emphasize, "Ms. Gilmore, I'll be waiting! Don't stand me up!"

Noreen could only sigh.

"Ms. Gilmore, I want sushi!" Mina piped up, mimicking Joyner's enthusiastic tone.

Noreen feigned annoyance.

Mina instantly ducked behind Carman. "Uh-oh, Ms. Gilmore's mad!"

Their group filed into the restaurant, laughter and chatter bubbling around them.

In the private room next door, Bianca and Seth were already seated.

The walls weren't exactly soundproof, so the lively banter from Noreen's group quickly carried over.

His reassurance helped. At least Seth was on her side.

A moment later, there was a knock at the door next to theirs.

Bianca recognized the voice immediately.

"Ms. Gilmore, I've already ordered some food. Whenever you're done chatting, just come over—I'll be waiting!"

Joyner sounded almost desperate, as if afraid Noreen might bail.

"I'll be there in a bit," Noreen called back.

"Alright, take your time—didn't mean to interrupt." Joyner's voice faded as she left.

The room barely had time to settle before another knock sounded next door.

"Seems I've arrived just in time," a familiar voice announced.

This time, it was Dylan.