Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 345

Until the truth finally came out, Henry had been absolutely convinced that his own judgment was right.

But why did Mrs. Joyner trust Noreen so much?

Most likely, she’d been manipulated by Noreen’s subtle machinations.

That woman was even more cunning than he’d imagined.

Yet, when the truth was revealed, Henry could only fall silent.

The security footage was crystal clear: Noreen had tripped over the edge of a rug—her balance thrown off by the high heels she was wearing—and stumbled forward. Castle, acting out of nothing but courtesy and instinct, caught her to keep her from falling.

As soon as Noreen steadied herself, the two of them immediately separated.

From start to finish, there hadn’t been even a hint of impropriety between them.

Henry’s expression darkened, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.

Only Mrs. Joyner remained composed, her face as calm and unbothered as ever.

Now that the truth was out, there was no point in dragging things on. She dismissed him without pretense. “Mr. Brooke, I’m afraid I’m not feeling well, so I won’t be keeping you any longer. And I do expect you to keep your word—please go and apologize to Miss Gilmore yourself.”

Henry’s face was grim, but since he’d already made the promise, he had no choice but to follow through, no matter how much he resented it.

…

As the evening drew to a close, Noreen was preparing to say goodbye to Mr. Joyner before heading out.

But someone else beat her to it.

Seth and Bianca were already there.

Bianca had been waiting for hours for a chance to speak with Castle, and finally, she’d found her opening. Though she came to say goodnight, she lingered, clearly hoping for more conversation.

Castle’s attitude toward her hadn’t changed: distant and politely indifferent.

“Oh, nothing. Just an idle observation.” The woman flashed a harmless smile. “Unless, of course, you’re the type to take everything personally, Miss Lowell.”

Bianca realized she’d walked right into the woman’s trap and her face soured.

In moments like this, Seth always stepped up to defend her, never allowing anyone to so much as slight her—a perfect, attentive boyfriend.

Funny how this was the same man who’d been cold and indifferent through seven years with someone else. It all depended on who you were.

“Miss Quinn, have we ever wronged you?” Seth placed himself protectively in front of Bianca, his tone icy as he confronted the woman.

“Not at all,” Tiana replied smoothly. “I just felt like mouthing off tonight, Mr. Harcourt, no offense.”

Her words were calculated—if Seth took issue, it was as if he were admitting to being the “trash” in question. If he didn’t, he was silently accepting it.

Just then, Noreen finally remembered who Miss Quinn was. A couple of years ago, Seth had been out late with Healy and the others, and when he called her to pick him up, she’d seen this woman there.