Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 244

Noreen didn’t even have a chance to refuse—Seth had already pulled on his gloves and started cracking open crab legs.

He really did take Evelyn’s words as gospel.

Wade turned to Noreen and asked about her work, and Noreen focused on answering his questions.

Wade had always taken an interest in Noreen’s career and knew quite a bit about Winrich and InnoCore.

Just as Seth was quietly busy with the crab, he suddenly piped up, sounding rather put out, “How come you never seem this interested in my work? Honestly, it’s like I’m your real kid, not her.”

Wade shot him a frosty glare. “Didn’t your latest investment in SkyMind just lose a hundred million?”

Seth choked, silent for a moment.

Fathers really know just where to poke.

“Business is about wins and losses, isn’t it? A hundred million’s nothing. Once we land the Port Redevelopment Project, that’ll be pocket change.”

Wade snorted. “Why don’t you talk when you’ve actually closed the deal.”

“Relax. I’m telling you, in Rivercrest City, nobody can compete with Aurelion Group. It’s as good as done.” Seth sounded cocky, but he had the track record to back it up.

“Don’t count your chickens,” Wade shot back.

Noreen was starting to realize that Wade’s parenting style was all about tough love.

Seth bristled, and the two of them launched into a heated back-and-forth, even arguing over the project bid.

They really didn’t treat her as an outsider; just like old times, they discussed business in front of her without a second thought.

In the past, Noreen would have tried to play peacemaker between the two of them. But tonight, she felt out of place.

“I’ll go slice some fruit,” she said, standing up and heading for the kitchen.

She lingered there for a while, waiting until their voices faded before returning.

When she sat back down, a plate piled high with crab meat was waiting in front of her.

Seth, apparently with way too much time on his hands, had arranged the crab meat into a heart shape.

It was honestly a little off-putting.

Noreen picked up her fork and poked at the crab, ruining the shape before she started eating at a leisurely pace.

She recognized the name at the top.

So that half-hour earlier—he’d been on the phone with Bianca.

Noreen buckled her seatbelt and turned her face toward the window, shutting her eyes. She had no intention of saying another word to Seth.

He didn’t speak either, focusing on the road.

Silence settled between them.

Whether it was the wine or just exhaustion from work, Noreen drifted off to sleep in no time.

Seth slowed the car after she fell asleep, driving carefully until they reached her building.

He parked and sat for a moment, looking over at her as she slept, her face tinted a delicate pink from the wine—a shade that was quietly, irresistibly alluring.

His gaze lingered on her lips.

Finally, he got out, tugging at his collar as he stepped into the night air, letting the cold wind wash over him and ruffle his shirt.