Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 327

The staff member offered an apologetic smile. “I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience.”

He gently reminded her, “The conference is about to begin. We’d appreciate your cooperation, Miss Lowell.”

Although Bianca was far from happy, she had no choice but to get up and follow their directions.

As soon as she stood, another staffer approached to pin a fresh name badge onto her jacket.

Before leaving, Bianca glanced over her shoulder.

She caught sight of a staff member placing a new badge over her old one—the one with her name, “Bianca,” emblazoned on it.

She squinted and caught a glimpse of the new name.

Noreen.

Bianca froze mid-step, disbelief written all over her face.

Noreen? How could it be Noreen?

Why her?

She had the urge to turn back and demand an explanation, to ask the staff again just to be sure.

But the staff member leading her called out, “This way, Miss Lowell! We’re on a tight schedule—thank you for your understanding.”

With mounting resentment, Bianca allowed herself to be ushered to the back of the room.

Her assigned seat was far from the main table—practically on the fringes, if she was honest.

Her expression soured as she watched the main table with a mix of frustration and resignation.

Just then, Castle arrived with his entourage. Noreen was right by his side, the two of them chatting animatedly.

To make matters worse, Bianca recognized several of the people with Noreen—big names in the gaming industry, and even some prominent investors.

Worst of all, this meant that Noreen would be sitting right next to Seth.

Noreen herself only realized this arrangement when she arrived. Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Seth noticed her the moment she took her seat.

Castle, oblivious to the invisible wall between Seth and Noreen, continued their earlier conversation.

He even asked her opinion on the increased competition and toxic rivalries in the gaming industry.

Noreen actually had her own perspective on this.

“Our country’s gaming industry is large enough to accommodate titles of all styles and genres. It’s not a zero-sum game—there’s room for everyone to grow. I believe healthy competition is vital, because that’s what drives progress.”

As she spoke, Castle leaned in, clearly engaged and listening intently.

He nodded in agreement whenever she made a good point.

It was obvious her words struck a chord with him.

“Did you hear that, Zane? You need to broaden your horizons a little,” Castle teased the man beside him.

Zane, caught off guard, wiped nervous sweat from his brow. “Miss Gilmore, those are words to live by.”

Noreen suddenly remembered that just a while ago, two leading gaming companies had been summoned by authorities over their cutthroat tactics.