Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 84

Bianca leaned in, lowering her voice. “What’s she doing here? Did Omnival Group invite her?”

Jude gave a derisive snort. “As if! Who knows where she scrounged up an invitation. Noreen’s always scheming–bet she’s here for the networking opportunities.”

That was exactly what Bianca had suspected, and Jude’s words only confirmed her suspicions.

“Someone like her, clawing her way up from the bottom, she’s not going to let a single chance slip by. Miss one, and it might never come again.”

Jude’s mood had soured after Noreen’s snarky comment earlier; he clearly wanted nothing to do with her. “Let’s not talk about her. She’s like a bad penny–always turning up. If I were Seth, I’d fire her on the spot!”

“Seth’s not the type to mix business with personal feelings. Unless Secretary Gilmore actually slips up, he won’t fire anyone without cause.”

Jude groaned. “Exactly! Seth’s too much of a straight arrow, and that’s why someone as conniving as Noreen can keep getting under his skin!”

“Enough about her,” Bianca said, steering the conversation away. “Did Dylan bring a date tonight?”

Jude shook his head right away. “Nope, not a chance. And even if he did, you know you’re the only one he’d ever consider bringing. You’re the only one who could keep up with him.”

Bianca’s smile grew. “Come on, let’s head inside. I brought Dylan a little gift for his new position.”

As they entered, they spotted Dylan across the room. He had just greeted Noreen and was exchanging a few words with her.

Bianca strode over with confident poise and greeted him warmly. “Congratulations, Dylan! I brought you something–I hope you’ll make even more of a mark at Omniva Group.”

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“Thank you.” Dylan accepted the gift and passed it to his assistant without a second glance.

He didn’t even bother to unwrap it.

Bianca had expected at least a flicker of anticipation. Her smile faltered for a split second. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

“I’m a bit tied up right now. I’ll open it later.”

His answer seemed to reassure her, at least on the surface. “Well, I made sure it’s something you’d like. I’ve always remembered your preferences.”

There was an unspoken intimacy in her words–just enough to hint at their past, but not enough to cross any lines.

She struck the perfect balance.

Just then, someone else approached Dylan to offer congratulations. Bianca, seizing the moment, picked up a glass of champagne and prepared to stand by Dylan’s side, just like they used to at receptions

abroad.

But before she could step forward, Dylan bent his arm–and Noreen, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, slipped her hand through it.

Bianca’s expression froze.

Jude looked just as stunned, his jaw practically hitting the floor.

If there hadn’t been so many people around, he would have marched right over and demanded to know what spell Noreen had cast on Dylan.

Why her of all people?

Anyone else would have been better–why did it have to be Noreen?

But Dylan had no time for their shock. He guided Noreen around the room, introducing her to one guest after another.

There were board members from Omniva Group, as well as important

partners.

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Chapter 84

Omniva Bank had nearly fifty years of history behind it, a legacy that fledgling companies like Aurelion Group–barely seven years

old–couldn’t hope to match.

Aurelion might be growing faster now, and its assets might have even surpassed Omniva’s, but Omniva’s status as an established leader in the financial world was unshakable.

For professionals in the industry, these people were connections worth their weight in gold.

That was why Bianca had come to this gala in the first place.

She’d been sure that, given her history with Dylan, he’d at least throw her a bone and introduce her to a few key players.

But now, watching him and Noreen work the crowd together, Bianca felt a sharp pang of envy.

Luckily, Seth arrived just then.

Noreen had expected he would come. After all, if Bianca was here, how could Seth not show up?