Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 462

"Last night was a mistake," Noreen said, her voice flat. "You don't need to dwell on it, and you certainly don't owe me anything."

Seth was silent for a few seconds.

Noreen stiffly turned her head away, feigning nonchalance as she brushed a stray strand of hair from her shoulder.

"Besides, there's someone I love."

Her voice was faint, but a tiny, traitorous muscle twitched beneath her eye.

Right. She had said that once before.

A lie spun to preserve what little dignity they both had left.

She just never imagined Seth would remember it, let alone bring it up again all these years later.

For a heartbeat, Noreen's composure faltered.

But only for a heartbeat. Another voice in her head, cold and clear, kept her grounded.

*The one who isn't loved is always the third wheel.*

Her expression smoothed over, becoming placid as she answered the question he had just asked her.

*"Back then, did you ever love Dylan?"*

"Of course," she said, her tone level and devoid of emotion.

Seth's heart gave a vicious, unexpected lurch.

She casually tucked her hair behind her ear, just as she used to. "It was so long ago, Mr. Harcourt. Bringing it up now… anyone who didn't know better might think you're the one who can't let go."

Seth's eyes narrowed, a slow burn of frustration building in his chest. "And after? In all the years that followed, did you ever…"

"Mr. Harcourt!" Noreen cut him off sharply. "What's the point of asking these questions now? Or are you trying to reinforce the rumor that I'm the other woman in your relationship with Miss Lowell?"

Seth's throat tightened.

Seizing the opportunity, Noreen wrenched her hand from his grasp, her face turning cold as she looked past him. "Mr. Brooke, did you hear that clearly this time? Now you know who the real third wheel is."

Henry Brooke must have just been passing by. When he saw them locked in yet another confrontation, he'd instinctively frozen. He probably thought he was invisible.

Claire was speechless for a moment, then just gave her a thumbs-up.

Dylan called, asking if she was coming back to the auditorium. Noreen told him she wasn't. She'd rather leave the stage for Bianca Lowell's victory lap.

"Where are you? I'll come find you."

They hadn't seen each other in a long time, so Noreen figured it was a good chance to update him on the project's progress. She told him to meet her at the main gate.

She and Claire had been waiting for about five minutes when Provost Ferris emerged with a group of people. Professor William was on his left, while Seth and Bianca were on his right.

Provost Ferris spotted Noreen first and immediately waved. "Ms. Gilmore! Mr. Wilder mentioned you had to leave early."

Noreen offered a polite smile. "Yes, something came up. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye properly."

"It was so hectic earlier, I didn't get a chance to introduce you properly. This is Professor William from WT Business School. I seem to recall you received an offer from them as well, didn't you?"

At his words, a ripple of surprise went through the group.

The most stunned, by far, was Bianca.