Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 385

Even after Noreen had disappeared from sight, Jude was still trying to process what had happened. She just left? Without a single backward glance? This was not how the script in his head was supposed to play out.

“Come on,” Seth said, holding the elevator door.

Jude jogged to catch up. Inside, his curiosity got the better of him. “Seth, how come you didn’t go with Bianca to Westbrook for the *Aetheria* launch?”

“She needs to learn to stand on her own two feet,” Seth replied, his expression neutral.

“Whoa, Seth, you’re seriously boyfriend goals!” Jude exclaimed, looking like he’d just witnessed a rom-com moment. He sighed dramatically. “You guys have the kind of love that leads to marriage.”

Seth seemed to have a different topic on his mind. “What has Dylan been busy with lately?”

“No clue. I never see him anymore. Every time I ask him to hang out, he says he’s busy. Who knows with him.” Jude had been complaining about this for a while. He added, “Healy’s the same way. Never around.”

“Let’s get everyone together tonight,” Seth said suddenly. “For drinks.”

This was Jude’s favorite kind of plan. “Deal,” he said instantly. “Actually, why wait until tonight? Let’s do it this afternoon! Bianca’s press conference is around four, right? We can have a watch party and celebrate for her from here!”

“Whatever you want,” Seth said, indifferent.

Jude got right on it, sending out texts and making it clear that attendance was mandatory. If anyone bailed, he’d hunt them down.

…

After visiting Vincent, Noreen went straight back to the office. She had a meeting in the morning, followed by a video call with Scott Quigley in the afternoon to discuss their project’s progress.

Scott told her he was in Westbrook, having just returned from a small rural village where he had found a lot of inspiration.

“That’s great to hear,” Noreen said.

Scott hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more but was holding back.

As Noreen had said, however, dragging out the inevitable wouldn’t change the outcome. He had made his choice, and he wouldn’t look back.

“Let’s just focus on our own work.”

Before ending the call, Noreen told Scott that he could start putting together his own studio as soon as he returned to Rivercrest City. The news instantly lifted Scott’s spirits. It was dinnertime, so he invited his assistant out for a celebratory meal.

They had just started eating when Ethan called. Scott knew exactly why he was calling and ignored it. A text from Ethan came through moments later, oozing with smugness.

“*Did you see, Scott? I did it!*”

“*Are you too scared to even answer my calls now?*”

“*For old times’ sake, I’ll give you one last chance. Come back to TechVenture and work for me. You know I’ve always admired your talent.*”