Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 358

He called the waiter over and asked him to bring over two of their best entertainers.

They had both types—one with a bold, wolfish charm, and another with a softer, puppy-like sweetness.

Noreen, for her part, couldn’t have been less interested. The puppyish guy sitting next to her kept trying to make conversation, but she only responded now and then, just to be polite.

On the other hand, Claire was in her element. She worked the room like a pro, her flirtation pitch-perfect at every turn.

"My last boyfriend broke my heart so badly, I’m honestly scared to date," she confided, her voice soft and vulnerable.

"It’s been ages since I’ve had a crush—this is the first time I’ve felt butterflies in years."

"I get so nervous talking to you. Wow, are these real muscles? Impressive!"

"Your hands are so big, and your Adam’s apple moves when you talk… can I touch it?"

"I have such a low tolerance for alcohol, I’m warning you."

"Would you mind leaning down to talk? The music’s so loud, I can barely hear you."

The guy beside her was absolutely hooked, his smile growing wider with every exchange.

Claire even nudged the puppyish guy next to Noreen, whispering, "What are you waiting for? Go ahead and charm her!"

The puppy-dog type caught on quick. "Come on, have a drink with me," he said, raising his glass to Noreen.

Figuring the guy was just trying to earn his living, Noreen played along and clinked her glass with his.

But the puppy-dog didn’t stop there—he looped his arm through hers, and insisted on doing a traditional interlocked arm toast.

Upstairs, Henry was at the club to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

The private lounge was packed, everyone laughing and chatting over drinks. At one point, a woman tried to hit on him, but Henry brushed her off without the slightest courtesy.

"Don’t bother," one of his friends joked. "He’s got someone on his mind—practically takes a vow of chastity for her."

The woman looked disappointed. With Henry’s credentials, landing him would mean financial security for life.

Finding the noise overwhelming, Henry slipped out onto the balcony for some air. He leaned against the second-floor railing, swirling his drink as the amber liquid caught the light.

Through the rim of his glass, he glimpsed a familiar figure downstairs.

He lowered his glass and focused on one of the booths below. After a moment, a sneer curled his lips.

Noreen. That woman was as shameless as ever.

He turned away, disgusted. Even another glance felt like too much.

Claire, meanwhile, knew how to have her fun, but she always kept things within reason. Seeing that Noreen really wasn’t into the scene, Claire shooed away both guys.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify