Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 543

Noreen had always been completely honest with Wade. "No," she said firmly. "That chapter of my life is completely closed."

Wade believed her. He opened a drawer in the coffee table and pulled out a stack of photographs, placing them in front of her. "I had someone help me select these promising young men. Their character, education, and family backgrounds are all excellent. Take a look and see if anyone catches your eye. Pick one."

Noreen was caught completely off guard. She never expected this from Wade. It seemed all elders were the same, always wanting to find a stable match for the younger generation.

"Mr. Harcourt, I really don't have the energy to date right now," she said with a helpless smile.

"That's why I'm just asking you to look. See if there's someone you find appealing, and then you can give it a try. Just because you're not interested now doesn't mean you won't be later."

"Then maybe I can think about it after this busy period is over."

Wade knew she was preparing for Professor Joyner's highly competitive graduate program at Halley University and that it required intense focus. He nodded in agreement. "Alright. That gives me more time to vet them for you."

Noreen agreed. As it was getting late, Wade didn't keep her long, just reminded her to drive carefully.

No sooner had Noreen left than Seth returned to the estate. Wade knew without asking that Evelyn must have called him secretly.

Sure enough, as Seth walked in, Evelyn emerged from the kitchen with a bowl of hot soup. "Seth, have some chicken broth."

Seth took the bowl and sat on the sofa across from Wade, his gaze falling on the photos spread across the table. Wade ignored him, arranging the pictures one by one.

Seth crossed his legs, sipping his soup as he scanned the photos. Once Wade was done, he began his critique. "This one's features are too soft. He might have issues in… other departments."

"This one isn't her type."

…

In the final two weeks before the entrance exams, Bianca cut off nearly all social activities to focus entirely on studying. Jude tried to get her to hang out twice and failed, prompting him to complain in their group chat.

"Bianca, give us failures a break! You're already gorgeous, a genius, and you work so hard. You have a Ph.D. in finance and you're still taking this exam? The competition is insane!"

"Compared to you, I feel like my existence is a waste of oxygen!"

Bianca sent a cute smiling emoji and replied, "It's because I want to be someone Seth can be proud of."

Jude felt like he'd been slapped in the face with their public display of affection, which only worsened his mood. He didn't know why, but everyone seemed to be incredibly busy lately.