Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 28

Until someone came looking for her. 

Chapter 28 

He was a young, handsome man–one of those fresh–faced types who looked like he’d just graduated college. 

And clingy, too. The minute he walked in, he swept Jennifer into a French kiss that left everyone else in the room shifting awkwardly in their seats. 

Jennifer, laughing and playfully shoving her boyfriend away, finally managed to get free. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with barely contained amusement. “This is my boyfriend,” she said, a little breathless. “He’s young and full of energy–l can barely keep up. Sorry for the scene.” 

Mr. Quigley and Johnson exchanged a look, eyebrows raised. 

No wonder–they couldn’t help but notice the age gap between Jennifer and her boyfriend. At least twenty years separated them. 

Her young beau was eager, tugging at Jennifer’s hand, urging her to go. She didn’t linger long, rising to say her goodbyes. 

Noreen, ever polite, walked her to the door. 

On the way, Jennifer looped her arm through Noreen’s and leaned in conspiratorially. Her boyfriend, catching the hint, ducked into the car to wait. 

“You’re probably wondering why I’m dating someone so much younger, aren’t you?” Jennifer asked, not the least bit embarrassed. 

Noreen gave a sheepish nod. “A little, yeah.” 

Jennifer waved it off. “Oh, men. Let me give you a little advice from someone who’s been around. If a man’s got money, use his money. If he’s got connections, use his connections. If he’s strong, use his strength. Don’t get hung up on love and all that nonsense—it’s pointless.” 

She blew a kiss toward her boyfriend sitting in the car. “Of course, I was a fool for love when I was young, too. You can see how well that worked out for me.” 

“Just remember the rule of the world: every relationship has an answer. If you don’t want it anymore, you walk away. Problem solved.” 

As Noreen returned to the lounge, she ran into a familiar face by the garden atrium. 

12.00 

Chapter 28 

Her steps faltered. 

He was sitting on a bench, cigarette between his fingers, arm draped lazily over the backrest, watching the smoke curl up into the air. 

Dylan Wilder. 

It had been so long since she’d seen him that for a moment, Noreen felt disoriented, almost like she was dreaming. 

That split second of hesitation was enough for Dylan to notice her. 

His lazy gaze sharpened, turning sly when he caught her eye. 

He mouthed a word at her-“Little apprentice.” 

Noreen dropped her gaze and attempted to slip away. 

But Dylan wasn’t about to let her escape. He stubbed out his cigarette, stood, and caught up in just a few long strides. 

“Not even going to say hello to your old mentor? What would our teacher say if she knew how rude you’d become?” His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it. 

Noreen forced herself to reply. “She doesn’t even claim me as her student anymore.” “Oh? So now you play turtle, pretending you don’t see me?” 

“It’s not that. I just don’t know what to say.” 

Dylan reached out and tapped her on the head–just hard enough to make his point. “Just like the old master said–heartless little brat.” 

Seth and Bianca had just arrived at the Hesper Lounge when they walked in on this 

scene. 

“Wait, Dylan knows Secretary Gilmore?” Bianca whispered, surprised, glancing at Seth. 

He didn’t answer, but something dark flickered in his eyes as he watched the two. 

Bianca took the initiative, walking over to Dylan. “Hey, Dylan. When did you get here?” 

“Just now,” Dylan drawled, slipping back into his lazy tone. 

Noreen took the opportunity to slip away. 

Dylan let out a low chuckle. 

2/3 

13.00 

Chapter 28 

Bianca glanced between them. “So, you two know each other?”