Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 340

Henry knew it wasn’t his place to insist, so he simply said, “Well then, I’ll visit another time.”

With a polite nod, Mrs. Joyner took her leave.

Henry followed her with his eyes, watching as she headed straight for Noreen, her intention clear and unwavering.

Seeing this, Henry’s smile faded bit by bit.

“Miss Gilmore, I owe you my thanks,” Mrs. Joyner said, taking Noreen’s hand in both of hers. She didn’t bother to hide her appreciation.

“It was nothing, really, Mrs. Joyner. Please don’t give it another thought,” Noreen replied, squeezing her hand gently. Her brow furrowed with concern. “Your hand is freezing. Are you all right?”

Mrs. Joyner hesitated before replying, “It’s just that time of the month. I always run cold.”

Noreen had struggled with the same problem in the past, but after some careful treatment, things had improved.

She felt compelled to help. “I used to get chills, too. After some herbal remedies, it got a lot better. If you’d like, I can write down the recipe for you.”

Mrs. Joyner waved it off with a smile. “It’s an old issue—I’ve tried plenty, but nothing’s really worked. I’m used to it by now, but thank you, truly.” She was clearly delighted with Noreen.

“My husband mentioned you to me before,” Mrs. Joyner continued. “He said you were remarkable, and I’ve been curious ever since—what kind of young woman could impress him? Now that I’ve met you, I see he was right. You’re really something special.”

Mrs. Joyner was so taken with Noreen that she chatted with her for quite a while, holding her hand as they spoke.

Throughout their conversation, several guests came over to greet Mrs. Joyner and offer toasts.

Remembering Mrs. Joyner’s condition, Noreen took the initiative to shield her from the drinks. At first, Mrs. Joyner protested, but Noreen assured her she could hold her liquor—she’d had plenty of practice covering for others at events—so Mrs. Joyner needn’t worry.

Mrs. Joyner looked at Noreen with even greater fondness.

After several rounds of socializing, Noreen had downed more than a few drinks. She didn’t feel tipsy, but her cheeks were flushed with that telltale post-wine glow.

Feeling sorry for her, Mrs. Joyner asked someone to escort Noreen to the lounge to rest for a while.

Annoyed, Noreen marched over and gave his cheek a few sharp slaps—not gentle ones, either. The sound echoed through the room.

“Hey, wake up! Don’t sleep here. Go find your master to walk you,” she snapped.

People who let their dogs off-leash had no manners at all.

Seth must have felt the sting, because his brows knit in pain. He reached up and caught Noreen’s wrist in his burning-hot hand.

Startled, Noreen reflexively tried to pull away, but Seth was faster, yanking her down so she tumbled right into his lap.

His embrace was even hotter than his hand, and the sudden heat overwhelmed her.

For a split second, she lost her composure—and in that instant, Seth cupped the back of her head, pulling her in until their lips met. His kiss was searing, his deep voice a whisper against her mouth, thick with longing.

“I missed you so much…”