Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 250

“Let me take a look.”

The stylist hadn’t lied—none of the remaining jewelry really caught her eye.

In the end, Noreen couldn’t decide on anything and gave up.

With time to spare before the event, Noreen decided to swing by the Harcourt estate to pick up Wade.

Evelyn’s face lit up when she saw her. “Noreen, you look absolutely stunning today.”

“Thank you, Evelyn. That’s very kind of you.”

Being complimented never failed to lift her spirits.

“Mr. Harcourt should be ready soon. I’ll go let him know you’re here.”

Noreen waited in the sitting room for about five minutes before Wade appeared, leaning on his cane. Evelyn followed close behind, holding a box in her hands.

Once Wade came over, he gave Evelyn a subtle nod.

Evelyn carefully opened the box, revealing an exquisite set of sapphire jewelry—immediately striking in its rarity and obvious value.

Evelyn smiled. “This is a gift from Mr. Harcourt. It’ll go beautifully with your dress tonight. Let me help you put it on.”

Noreen shook her head quickly. “I can’t accept something so valuable!”

“It was meant for you anyway,” Wade interjected, his voice calm but steady. “It belonged to my late wife. It’s been sitting here for years—a waste, really. Pieces like these deserve to be worn, not locked away.”

Still, Noreen hesitated. The jewelry was just too extravagant—a lesson Rosalind had drilled into her since childhood: never accept expensive gifts lightly, especially not from others.

Wade’s expression turned cold, his tone hardening. “If you refuse, then don’t come see me again. And you can forget about the gala tonight.”

“Mr. Harcourt—”

“Don’t call me Mr. Harcourt, either.”

Noreen fell silent.

Evelyn leaned over and whispered, “Just take it. It’s really okay.”

Tonight, he was unusually approachable, responding warmly to each greeting and taking the opportunity to introduce Noreen.

“Winrich Capital. Ms. Gilmore.”

Thanks to her success with InnoCore, the name was familiar to most guests—though they hadn’t expected someone so young.

Some couldn’t help but wonder about her relationship with Wade.

A friend approached and, in a casual tone, asked Wade, “Mr. Harcourt, why isn’t your son here tonight?”

Wade responded with a cool, dismissive, “I wouldn’t know.”

He never liked discussing his only son, Seth, in public. The two had never attended an event together, and word around town was their relationship was strained.

Judging by Wade’s answer, the rumors were probably true.

Someone else, better informed, chimed in, “He’s away on business—couldn’t make it. I just ran into his girlfriend earlier.”

“Which one is Mr. Harcourt’s girlfriend?” the first person asked, glancing over at Noreen, curiosity evident in his gaze. After all, Noreen was young, beautiful, and standing right beside Wade.