Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 315

So the real reason the painting went for such a high price was to help Bianca win Wade’s favor.

No wonder she was willing to spend that much.

“You really don’t have to take it out on the painting, though. It cost a fortune. Wouldn’t it be a shame to just throw it away?” Noreen’s only concern was for the artwork itself.

“Then do me a favor and get rid of it,” Wade replied. “List it on a resale site, sell it for a dollar. At least then it’s not eye sore sitting here.”

Wade meant it—if Noreen hadn’t come by, that painting would’ve been on its way to the dump tomorrow.

“That’s a huge loss,” Noreen said.

“What loss? I was going to toss it anyway. Getting a dollar back is better than nothing.”

Sometimes Noreen just couldn’t wrap her head around the way rich people thought.

But it was clear now—Wade truly was ready to throw the painting out.

She thought for a moment, then offered a compromise. “Mr. Harcourt, how about this: I’ll ask a professional appraiser to value the painting. Whatever it’s worth, I’ll wire you the money.”

“You actually like this painting? Just take it,” Wade said, not even hesitating.

Noreen had seen that coming. “I can’t just take it. I’ll buy it, but if you give it to me for free, I won’t accept it. And honestly, with my plan, you’re still losing out—it’s almost like giving it away.”

Wade knew exactly how stubborn Noreen could be.

If he tried to gift it to her, she’d never accept.

So finally, he relented. “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”

After sharing a cup of calming herbal tea with Wade, Noreen got up to say goodbye.

Evelyn, ever thoughtful, had packed her a generous bag of food—fresh fruit and some of her homemade shrimp dumplings, the kind you could heat up easily. She reminded Noreen to eat proper meals and not rely on instant noodles all the time; it wasn’t healthy.

Noreen felt a bit embarrassed. Every time she came over, she left with her arms full and her stomach satisfied.

But Evelyn was genuinely happy. “Noreen, come over whenever you can. When you’re here, Mr. Harcourt eats more and seems brighter.”

“Of course,” Noreen replied without hesitation.

Evelyn walked her to the door, reminding her to drive safely.

“Evelyn, you don’t have to walk me out.” Noreen tried to reassure her, but as she opened the door to leave, she stopped short, startled by the person waiting outside.

But as soon as she started to leave, Seth called out, “Noreen, wait a minute. I need to talk to you.”

Noreen really wanted to avoid any interaction and was about to politely decline.

But Seth’s tone grew serious. “It’s important.”

If even Seth said something was important, it had to be.

So Noreen waited outside.

Seth ducked inside to say a few words to Wade, then came right back out—not even a full minute later.

All business.

Noreen looked at him. “Alright, what is it?”

“Let’s talk outside,” Seth said. He clearly didn’t want Wade to overhear.

So they walked out past the gates of the Harcourt estate. Once they were outside, before Noreen could even ask, Seth spoke first.

“I’m getting engaged.”