Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 190

What goes around really does come around.

After his bouquet was turned away and his calls went unanswered, he had no choice but to go find her in person.

The moment he arrived at the base of Winrich Tower, Jude messaged the group chat, tagging everyone to ask about their plans for the night.

It was New Year's Eve, after all—a night that felt special, even to the most indifferent.

Then, with a flourish, he excluded Seth and Bianca: "Seth and Bianca, you two don't have to answer. I already know you'll be spending tonight together!"

Bianca replied with a laughing emoji, which was as good as admitting it.

Seth, of course, didn't respond.

Dylan wrote, "Busy. Have fun on your own."

Jude pressed him for details, but Dylan went silent.

Not even two minutes later, Healy replied, "Busy too. Enjoy yourself."

Jude sent a string of question marks.

So he was the only one left behind?

"Wait, is everyone paired up but me?" Jude finally asked, exasperated.

Naturally, no one answered, leaving him to stew in his own frustration.

Meanwhile, just as Healy finished replying to Jude, he spotted Dylan across the lobby.

He hesitated, then decided to walk over and say hello.

"Here to see Noreen?" Healy asked.

Dylan nodded. "Yeah. You?"

"Same. Just here to talk business."

He paused, then added, "I'm here for that collaboration we discussed."

Dylan said, "I invested in InnoCore. I'm here to talk work too."

"Let's go up together, then."

The two of them headed upstairs to find Noreen.

Noreen was still in a meeting, so Sophia greeted them in the reception area.

Healy glanced at her. "Weren't you with the Aurelion Group? What brings you here?"

"What can I do for you, Mr. Healy?" Noreen asked, turning to him.

She already suspected Dylan was here about the project's progress.

Healy replied, "I'm here about the partnership. That ‘Universal AI' concept you mentioned last time—I'm really interested. I'd love the chance to discuss it with you in depth, Ms. Gilmore."

Healy was clearly serious.

Noreen hadn't iced Healy out just for personal reasons. She knew his temperament; if he wasn't genuinely interested, a little waiting would likely make him give up.

She needed to see if he truly wanted to work together, or if he was just following Chase's orders. If it was the latter, there was no point wasting anyone's time.

But now, it seemed Healy was sincere about collaborating with InnoCore.

So Noreen let her guard down, at least a little.

"It's getting late," she said, glancing at the time. "How about we set up a meeting soon to talk through the details?"

Healy hesitated, then asked, "Do you have plans tonight, Ms. Gilmore?"

After all, it was New Year's Eve—most couples would be out celebrating.

Dylan turned to look at Noreen as well, clearly just as curious about her answer.