Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 217

Jude opened the message and stared in disbelief.

Wasn’t Bianca supposed to be the featured figure and cover story in this month’s business magazine?

How did it suddenly turn into Noreen?

Jude could only hope Bianca hadn’t seen it yet.

Luckily, the post hadn’t been up for long—he could still delete it.

Before he did, he nudged Healy, who caught on instantly and deleted his own message, too.

But their little cover-up did nothing to save the situation.

Because Bianca had already seen it. She just didn’t say anything.

Or maybe she simply didn’t know what to say.

But in private, she called the magazine’s editor-in-chief and demanded an explanation.

The editor was apologetic, but insisted the decision came from higher up. They needed to boost sales and public interest, and hoped Bianca could understand the pressures of their job.

Bianca hung up, fuming, her expression icy.

Lillian hurried to calm her down. “Cousin, have some coffee, don’t let this get to you. People like that only care about who’s on top. Noreen’s riding high on that InnoCore project—it’s all anyone’s talking about right now. There’s nothing we can do to match her buzz at the moment.”

“But she won’t be on top for long!” Lillian added, her voice full of conviction. “You’re a PhD in Economics from WT Business School—and the pride of both the Lowell and the Laurent families. That’s something Noreen could never hope to achieve in her lifetime!”

“Besides, your brother-in-law didn’t go through all that trouble to recruit you from Grand Trust Bank for nothing. He values your talent above all else. Don’t let a temporary setback shake your confidence.”

Bianca did feel a little better after hearing that.

“All right, let’s touch up your makeup,” Lillian suggested with a grin. “Didn’t your brother-in-law say he’s picking you up soon for that resort trip? Cheer up!”

“Okay.”

Thinking about how Seth always looked out for her—worried she’d be upset after SkyMind lost out to InnoCore—he’d set aside time just to take her on a relaxing getaway.

That thought warmed her mood again.

Noticing her cousin’s spirits lifted, Lillian seized the moment. “By the way, have you gotten anywhere with that little favor I asked?”

“I’ll message Healy right now, see if he can join us at the resort,” Bianca replied, pulling out her phone.

Noreen was on the cover.

His hand trembled involuntarily, and he tossed it right back to the receptionist. “Why are you giving me this? I’m not reading it!”

The receptionist looked helpless. “It’s Mr. Wilder’s orders. Every employee has to read Ms. Gilmore’s interview—no exceptions. Mr. Jude, that includes you.”

Jude thought his father had lost his mind.

He’d just returned the magazines, and his dad had already bought another pile and handed them out to every single person in the company!

Unbelievable.

“I’m not reading it!” Jude protested, his whole body radiating defiance.

“But Mr. Wilder said if you don’t, he’ll freeze all your cards.”

Jude fell silent.

That was a harsher punishment than sending him abroad.

Fuming, he snatched the magazine back and told the receptionist, “Please tell my dad I’ve read it. In fact, I’ve read it so many times my eyes are about to fall out!”