Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 386

The text bubble showed that Ethan was still typing. Scott simply blocked his number and went back to enjoying his celebratory dinner.

When Ethan’s next message failed to send, his face darkened. He let out a contemptuous scoff. “His loss. Destined to be a broke failure.”

Across the room, Bianca called him over, telling him the event was about to start. Ethan practically scurried over, his posture slightly stooped. “Director Lowell, why don’t you make the official announcement to kick things off?”

Bianca smiled. “You’re the founder. It should be you.”

Ethan waved his hands frantically. “No, no, *Aetheria* wouldn’t be here today without you, Director Lowell. You absolutely must be the one to launch it.”

“Very well,” Bianca relented.

Just before the host officially began the event, Bianca received a video call from Jude. She answered to see him with Seth, Healy, and Dylan, and her mood instantly soared.

“Bianca!” Jude shouted over the noise. “We got together in Rivercrest City to celebrate with you! A little something to make up for not being there in person.”

“Please thank everyone for me.”

“Don’t be so formal! This was all Seth’s idea,” Jude said, pointing the camera at Seth. “Right, Seth?”

Seth raised his glass to the camera in a silent toast.

With confident grace, she walked onto the stage and, under the watchful eyes of thousands, pressed the launch button. A massive fireworks display erupted over Westbrook. Watching the colors explode in the sky, Bianca felt a profound sense of accomplishment.

Her mother called, congratulating her on this new milestone but also reminding her not to get carried away and forget her ultimate goal.

“I haven’t forgotten,” Bianca assured her. “As soon as I’m back, I’ll talk to Seth about it. With *Aetheria*’s success as leverage, Mr. Harcourt won’t be able to ignore me anymore.”

Yvonne agreed. They were both convinced that Wade Harcourt’s disapproval stemmed from Bianca’s lack of significant achievements since returning to the country. This time, Bianca was determined to win and finally earn his respect. For a while, she had been disheartened, telling herself that as long as Seth chose her, it was enough. Wade’s acceptance didn’t matter; he would eventually come around.

But recently, as Yvonne sent out invitations to her friends, she noticed a change. The other wives were happy for her on the surface, but behind her back, they whispered that Bianca might never truly be accepted by Wade. They said that without his approval, her position was no better than that of a mistress.