Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 432

He was so focused that he didn't even notice Bianca looking at him, a subtle, almost imperceptible lift to his brow.

A sudden chill sank into Bianca's heart. She was about to call his name when Noreen set down her pen.

"Finished," Noreen said calmly. "Professor Joyner, would you mind taking a look? I'm not sure if it's correct."

"So quickly?" Ron exclaimed, astonished. It had been less than five minutes.

Even Bianca was taken aback.

Halley took the paper, adjusted the glasses on his nose, and examined her work. He followed her logic, checked her steps, and read the final answer. A look of delighted surprise spread across his face.

"It's perfect!" he declared. "Absolutely correct! In fact, your method is even more elegant than the one used by this year's gold medalist!"

Hearing this, Bianca's world trembled. *Impossible. How could Noreen have possibly solved that problem?*

Halley was beaming, chatting excitedly with Ron. "After the competition, the official website posted the problem and invited the public to solve it. One anonymous user submitted a solution identical to Noreen's!"

Bianca's shock instantly morphed into smug understanding. *Of course.* Noreen hadn't solved it at all; she'd just copied the solution from some random person online. She had almost fooled them all.

But Bianca had no time to expose her; she was here with a purpose. She wanted to connect with Ron Archer, but he had been somewhat cool toward her earlier. She needed to find a way to break the ice.

It was Seth who spoke for her. "I hear you're an avid golfer, Mr. Archer. Bianca fancies herself a decent player. How about a few holes?"

Anyone who had done their research knew Ron was obsessed with golf, and Seth was playing his cards perfectly.

Hearing Halley's sharp retort, Bianca almost laughed out loud. So much for Noreen being perceptive. Couldn't she see how much Professor Joyner disliked her? Or was she just pretending not to notice? The woman truly had no shame.

"Here you go, Seth," Bianca said cheerfully, handing him a polished club. She straightened his collar. "Good luck!"

Ron looked over at Noreen, who was sitting beside Halley. "Aren't you playing, Ms. Gilmore?"

"My game is average at best. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of you, Mr. Archer."

"Nonsense! We'll make it a team game, two against two."

Bianca's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. *Noreen, play golf?* It was an expensive sport, far beyond what someone from her background could afford. Her claim of being "average" was just a polite excuse. The truth was, she probably didn't know how to hold a club.