Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 379

Only then did Noreen realize Seth was in the room with her.

“Yes,” Seth said.

“No,” Noreen said at the same time.

Yves laughed. “Looks like you two didn’t coordinate your stories.”

Noreen didn’t know what Seth was up to and couldn’t be bothered to guess.

“Ms. Gilmore, a toast!” Hugh Summers said cheerfully, raising his glass. “To celebrate you becoming the richest woman in Rivercrest City!”

“Your news is a bit outdated, Mr. Summers,” Yves chimed in. “The list has been updated. The new number one is Mr. Harcourt’s fiancée, Director Lowell.”

Hugh hadn’t heard; the list had just changed that morning. “My apologies! I’m behind the times. But this toast is still for Ms. Gilmore.”

Noreen was about to say she had driven and couldn’t drink when a hand reached out and took the glass from in front of her. She noticed it was covered by a black compression glove.

“Ms. Gilmore likely drove,” Seth said, his voice even. “I’ll take this for her.”

His words made Noreen pause, and she finally looked at him properly. What was he doing? Defending her from a drink? That was absurd.

Before she could object, Seth had already downed the glass of liquor. But she felt no gratitude, only annoyance at his pointless gesture. She didn’t need anyone to run interference for her.

“Seth, what are you doing here?”

Bianca decided her worry was misplaced. Everyone could see how devoted Seth was to her. She had no reason to doubt him. “That’s very chivalrous of you,” she said, her voice laced with meaning. “But chivalry should be selective. You wouldn’t want to give someone the wrong impression.”

The implication hung in the air, making everyone in the room a little uncomfortable.

“Everyone, I have another appointment, so I must be going,” Noreen announced, eager to leave. She had only meant to say a quick hello anyway. She turned and walked out of the room.

Behind her, she could hear Yves starting to cheer, trying to get Seth and Bianca to make a toast to their future. Seth readily agreed.

As she walked away, the sounds from the room faded. Down the hall, she saw Henry standing at the far end, his eyes fixed on the room Bianca had just entered, his face a mask of disappointment. When he saw Noreen, however, his expression hardened into a cold glare.

He remembered Vincent’s refusal. It had been so swift, so absolute, as if Noreen was the only option.