Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 265

Bianca glided back into the hall, her makeup flawless and her poise restored, a polished smile once again lighting up her face.

She had barely taken her seat when Henry messaged her to say he'd ordered champagne to celebrate.

She replied, “That’s too extravagant. There’s no need for all that.”

Henry shot back, “I’m not that broke college kid anymore. You don’t have to save money on my account.”

His message made her laugh. “Well, whose fault is it for hiding it from me back then?”

He answered, “If I hadn’t, how would I have known my senior was such a kind soul?”

Bianca grinned, slipped her phone into her purse, and turned her attention fully to the bidding results.

Across the table, Carman asked Noreen, “Are you nervous?”

“A bit,” Noreen admitted, “but I believe in you.”

She had complete faith in their proposal. Carman focused on the technical innovation and R&D, while Noreen led fundraising, resource integration, and business strategy—making sure the project had everything it needed to succeed.

Each played to their strengths, working together seamlessly, and their efficiency pushed the project forward at record speed.

The other companies at the event didn’t hold out much hope; most were there just to be seen. After all, who in Rivercrest City could truly compete with the Aurelion Group?

Some had already begun cozying up to Seth and Bianca, hoping to get a foot in the door—even a small slice of the project would be worthwhile.

As for Noreen’s team, no one paid them any mind.

Bianca allowed herself a smug smile.

She’d stumbled once before—losing to Noreen in the SkyMind versus InnoCore bid due to a momentary lapse—and it had stung. But Seth hadn’t given up on her. He’d handed her an even bigger project, a chance to prove herself all over again.

So what if Noreen had won, just that once?

It was luck, pure and simple. And luck didn’t always pick the same side.

“Cousin! I just saw Dylan walk into the award ceremony with a huge bouquet of sunflowers!”

But Bianca, focused on the announcement, didn’t see the message.

The staff member stepped up to the microphone and read out the results.

A triumphant smile was already playing across Bianca’s lips. But when the name “Winrich” was announced, her expression froze.

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

Padgett Novak, who had been following the bid closely, wasted no time in congratulating Noreen. Soon, others joined in—offering their congratulations, swapping contact information, and hoping for a chance to collaborate.

Noreen welcomed them all with polite composure.

Compared to the buzz around Noreen’s table, Yvonne looked visibly upset.

At that moment, Forrest Lowell called, asking for the results.