Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 1165

His embrace was scorching hot.

But before Noreen could truly process it, Seth let go, gently pushing her back to create distance between them.

"It's cold tonight. Go on up," he said.

Noreen didn't feel cold at all.

Besides, she wanted to stay with him a little longer.

It was usually like this.

She would walk him down, and they would linger affectionately by the entrance for a while.

But tonight, uncharacteristically, he wasn't clinging to her.

As confusion bubbled in Noreen's chest, Seth added, "I need to head back to the house."

So he had things to do.

Noreen didn't press him. She waved goodbye and headed back inside.

Stepping into the elevator and pressing her floor, a moment of hesitation hit her as the car ascended.

Something felt missing today.

What was it?

When she looked up and met her own reflection in the bright mirrored walls, it finally clicked.

Seth hadn't kissed her tonight!

He usually hounded her for kisses—deep ones, soft ones, finding every excuse to claim her lips.

But today, he had been terrifyingly well-behaved. It made absolutely no sense.

She pushed the front door open, startling Claire.

"How are you back so fast?"

Noreen stared blankly. "?"

"You normally don't surface for at least two hours."

Noreen remained silent.

For the next several days, Rosalind made a point of brewing soup for Seth.

She handled everything personally every single day.

Bianca, worried she was waking up too early and losing sleep, offered to take over, but Rosalind refused.

The reason Rosalind was so dedicated was because she had overheard Noreen and Claire's conversation on the balcony that night.

"Who else would there be? Healy Naylor is out of town, and Seth is completely booked trying to kiss his future mother-in-law's ass."

Dylan's grip on his glass hitched imperceptibly.

The amber liquid swirled, catching the dim light, hiding the fleeting shadow that darkened his eyes.

He lowered his gaze, his Adam's apple bobbing. When he spoke, his tone was as casual as ever. "Oh? So he won Noreen back?"

Jude had a terrible habit of oversharing, and alcohol only made it worse.

"Pretty much! He's been at her place every single day. Says her mom has been personally making him soup."

He let out a long sigh. "Seth is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."

He had watched Seth agonize over winning Noreen back for the better part of a year.

Dylan said nothing, simply downing the rest of his drink.

Amidst the shifting lights of the private booth, his usually stoic face was a mask hiding the bottomless gloom in his eyes.

"Good for him," he suddenly chuckled. But the smile never reached his eyes, leaving behind an icy, detached aura.

He set down his glass and stood, tossing on his jacket in a sharp, fluid motion.

"I'm out. It's getting late."