Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 255

“Director Cole?” Noreen exclaimed in surprise.

Matthew Cole stood up, scratching his head. “I’m not Director Cole anymore—I left, remember? Just call me Matthew.”

Noreen stared at him, momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Matthew Cole to leave Aurelion Group.

He’d practically been a founding pillar of the company—sharp, capable, and the reason he’d headed the second investment division in the first place.

After a few minutes of conversation, Noreen finally realized why he was here: he was looking for a job.

She was flattered, but also skeptical. “With your résumé and reputation, you could easily land a position at any top firm—or start one of your own. Why come to Winrich?”

Matthew gave a wry smile. “Honestly? I just can’t swallow this humiliation.”

He didn’t hide anything from her. “You’ve heard, right? Mr. Harcourt handed the Port Redevelopment Project to Bianca.”

Noreen nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, I heard.”

“I poured my heart and soul into that project, you know that better than anyone. But Mr. Harcourt snatched it away for no reason. I can’t let it go. So, I came to join you.”

He added, “A friend told me you’re trying to win the Port Redevelopment bid. That’s why I’m here. The question is—would you have me, Ms. Gilmore?”

Noreen didn’t ask who his friend was. After all, Matthew had spent years in investment banking; he had plenty of connections, and it wasn’t surprising he’d have the inside track.

Besides, Matthew was a rare talent, and she’d be crazy to turn him away.

She stood and shook his hand. “This isn’t about taking you in, Matthew. We’ll be fighting side by side. Welcome to Winrich.”

Matthew’s arrival made it all but public that Winrich would be bidding on the Port Redevelopment Project.

News reached Bianca almost instantly.

She gave a dismissive little laugh when she heard. It wasn’t that she looked down on Noreen—Noreen was simply overreaching.

Just because she’d pulled off the InnoCore deal, did she think she could do anything?

They left together, chatting and laughing, leaving Healy behind with a sigh.

Jude, who’d barely spoken the whole time, sat quietly to the side. Healy finally turned to him. “You’re awfully quiet. What’s up?”

Jude shrugged. “Not in the best mood, that’s all.”

“Still upset about the settlement?”

Healy knew Jude had invested in SkyMind, only for the startup to get hit with a three-hundred-million-dollar infringement penalty.

Jude’s father had been so furious when he found out that he’d landed in the hospital—and was still recovering.

“My dad’s health is failing, and he’s been hiding it from me. All he ever wanted was for me to accomplish something before it’s too late. But now…”

Jude trailed off, guilt heavy in his voice. “Healy, could you show me the ropes? I really want to make him proud before it’s too late.”