Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 1112

Jude barely fought back the urge to roll his eyes. He tried to phrase it tactfully. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Our boss has a terrible temper, and his words can be absolutely ruthless."

Crystal was unfazed. "Business is business. We can negotiate however he likes. Plus, I guarantee Cloudway brings more to the table than Winrich ever could."

"Just set up the meeting. I'll handle the rest."

Jude realized she simply wasn't taking the hint. His tone took on a rare edge of seriousness. "It's really not about who offers the best terms. Trust me, I strongly advise you to drop this idea."

"Why?" Crystal couldn't understand.

She was willing to offer much greater profits and better terms than Winrich. It made no sense for NoMore to refuse even a conversation.

"Because for our boss, there is only one acceptable answer."

"And that answer is Winrich."

"No one else stands a chance."

The smile finally vanished from Crystal's face. Her lips tightened, unable to mask the bitter resentment in her eyes.

She stared at Jude, her tone suddenly chilling as if she'd caught him in a trap.

"Your boss... he knows Noreen Gilmore, doesn't he?"

Jude didn't bother hiding it. He couldn't even be bothered to beat around the bush and simply nodded. "Yes."

Crystal let out a mocking scoff, her eyes flashing with sharp derision as if she had finally found the missing puzzle piece. "Well, that makes perfect sense."

She didn't elaborate.

But everyone in the room could hear the acidic jealousy and wild speculation dripping from her words.

Even Jude felt profoundly irritated.

Was she trying to throw shade again?

Crystal's throat tightened, and her face turned a ghastly shade.

She thought she had shown Jude genuine sincerity regarding a partnership, only to be targeted and humiliated.

He had deliberately pulled Dylan into it just to embarrass her and avenge Noreen.

She had no idea what kind of spell Noreen cast to make all these powerful men blindly protect her!

Fueled by a blind, irrational rage, she sneered. "I suppose that makes sense. After all, I'm certainly no match for Noreen when it comes to seducing men."

Jude shot up from his seat. "Are you out of your mind, Crystal?"

"I only let you stay out of respect for Dylan. But if you're going to act like this, you can get the hell out. You are permanently banned from any gathering I host!"

Even Dylan's gaze turned somber. "Crystal, haven't you done enough?"

Crystal fully snapped. "Did I say something wrong? Everyone knows she drugged Seth just to crawl into his bed! She manipulated her way into being his secretary, trailed after him like a desperate dog for seven years, and let him use her the whole time!"