Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 187

"As long as I want it, he'll back me all the way."

Seth was her ace in the hole, as long as she chose to play it.

And honestly, she had every right to show off a little.

That's why she had the nerve to poach Carman in the first place.

It's one thing to know your power in theory—seeing it play out in real life was something else entirely.

Noreen couldn't quite name the feeling that welled up inside her.

It wasn't painful, nor was it pleasant.

But it left her unsettled.

In the end, Noreen agreed to the collaboration. Seth's offer was just too generous to refuse.

When someone practically hands you a fortune, who in their right mind would say no?

Seth really was pulling out all the stops for Bianca—he was even willing to share Aurelion Group's core technology.

Once the deal was struck, Hugh Summers was all smiles, pouring glass after glass of wine for the two of them.

But as soon as Noreen picked up her glass, Seth interjected, "She can't hold her liquor. I'll drink for her."

Hugh looked genuinely surprised. "You two know each other?"

Otherwise, how would he know how much she could drink?

"We do."

"We don't."

They spoke at the same time, but their answers couldn't have been more different.

Hugh blinked, clearly thrown. "So… do you know each other or not?"

"If she says we don't, then we don't," Seth replied, sounding almost exasperated.

Noreen had no idea what he was so exasperated about.

In the end, Noreen really didn't drink at all.

Seth, on the other hand, kept Hugh company and drank quite a bit.

Noreen watched discreetly.

She could tell Seth's desensitization training must have been going well—he showed no signs of his usual alcohol allergy, even after several glasses.

He'd probably built up his tolerance, blocking drinks for Bianca at countless dinners.

Noreen sipped her tea, but it tasted bitter and astringent.

According to the server, this tea cost thousands per pound.

When the dinner finally ended and she stepped outside, a light, misty rain had started to fall.

She texted Sophia, letting her know she was done and asking her to bring the car around.

Until now, when Seth stood before her, she could treat him like any other acquaintance—calm, detached, a stranger in all but memory.

…

The day before New Year's Eve, Noreen had the contracts ready and went to Aurelion Group herself to get Seth's signature.

It was her first time back since she'd left the company.

Standing before those all-too-familiar doors, she felt as if a lifetime had passed.

The receptionist recognized her instantly, eyes lighting up. "Secretary Gilmore!"

Noreen corrected her gently, "I don't work here anymore. Just call me Noreen, or Ms. Gilmore if you prefer."

She handed over her business card. "I have an appointment with Mr. Harcourt."

"Oh, right! Mr. Harcourt mentioned you'd be coming. This way, Ms. Gilmore—please!"

The receptionist personally showed her the way.

Noreen smiled, "It's all right, I can find my way. You should get back to your desk."

She knew this was the receptionist's busiest time of day.

And since everyone knew how well she knew the company, the receptionist was happy to let her go on her own.

She took the elevator up to the tenth floor. Someone else got in.

It was Ruby Wilder, from Investment Division II.