Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 309

Although Jude was dying to know how Healy had managed to make it to the auction so quickly, the moment he spotted Noreen at Healy’s side, he pushed his curiosity down hard.

Avoiding Noreen had become second nature to him.

No sooner had Jude taken his seat than the auction began.

Bianca was flipping through the auction catalogue, tapping a pen against the items she’d already marked.

From the looks of it, she’d picked out quite a few things—mostly jewelry and similar trinkets, all perfect for engagement gifts.

Jude leaned over and declared, “Remember to let me bid on something later—I’ll get you two an engagement present.”

Bianca smiled. “Well, I’ll look forward to it.”

Jude grinned. “Only fair.”

He couldn’t help glancing back in Noreen’s direction.

Healy was still chatting with Noreen, practically turned sideways in his chair, his attention fixed on her. Even his upper body was angled toward her ever so slightly.

Suddenly, something clicked for Jude. His expression twisted with a flash of realization.

Bianca caught the look. “What’s up?”

Jude hesitated. Whether to say it or not—it felt awkward either way.

But Bianca was sharp enough; she read the hint in his eyes and glanced over her shoulder.

One look, and her expression shifted as well.

The easy smile faded from her eyes, replaced by something a little colder.

If Jude could spot it, so could Bianca.

But she didn’t understand.

What on earth did Healy see in Noreen?

Maybe it was just a bit of fun for him.

Still, Bianca couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable.

She’d always considered Healy a friend—she expected him to be on her side.

Among the crowd, quite a few people recognized Seth, and from the situation, quickly deduced Bianca’s identity.

“So that’s Miss Lowell, the one about to get engaged to Mr. Harcourt. They really do make a striking couple.”

“I hear Miss Lowell’s family is impressive too—her father just got promoted to deputy director, right?”

“Looks like wedding bells are in the air.”

These whispers inevitably reached Noreen.

She wasn’t bothered by them. She’d grown numb to all the talk about those two.

Healy, eager to change the subject, leaned in to ask if there was anything she wanted to bid on tonight.

“Yeah, I’ve got my eye on a couple of paintings.”

“Oh? Are you into collecting art?” Healy asked, obviously just trying to keep the conversation going.

“No, they’re for gifts. Something for the older folks.”

“My dad loves art, too. Seems he and your family have more in common than I thought.”