Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 723

It wasn't until Noreen was leaving the nephrology department with Rosalind Gilmore after her check-up that the thought finally struck her.

Why was Seth Harcourt at the nephrology department for an exam?

As she recalled, routine physicals didn't typically include specialized kidney function tests.

"He probably just wanted a more comprehensive check-up," she reasoned, not dwelling on it any further.

It was as if a voice in her head kept whispering, "Noreen, don't look back."

Even so, she felt a lingering unease on the drive back.

So much so that when she got out of the car to grab the medical reports from the front seat, she accidentally snapped the lucky charm hanging from the rearview mirror.

Sophia Cole had gotten it for her when she bought her first car.

She had changed cars several times since then, but each time, Sophia would carefully remove the charm and hang it in the new vehicle.

Noreen didn't think much of it, but Rosalind, who was with her, grew instantly anxious, seeing it as a bad omen.

Noreen understood. The older generation tended to be superstitious about such things.

Rosalind said, "Give that to me. I'll go to the Sanctuary of Tranquil Light in Southmont tomorrow to make a thank offering and get you a new one."

"I'll go myself when I have time," Noreen replied, not wanting to put her through the trouble. Rosalind's health was too frail for that kind of exertion.

"Then you must promise you'll go make an offering," Rosalind insisted, still repeating her warning as she got out of the car.

She only seemed to relax after Noreen gave her a firm promise.

After dropping Rosalind off at her place, Noreen went back to the office to work late.

When Sophia brought her a coffee, she noticed the broken charm lying on the desk and asked about it.

Noreen explained that she had accidentally broken it. She was busy and didn't elaborate.

Not wanting to disturb her, Sophia quietly left the office.

Noreen told him she was there to make a thank offering.

The monk led her inside, their path taking them through a grove of trees.

In the middle of the woods lay a flight of 99 stone steps, worn smooth by countless devout pilgrims.

Today, the entire forest was silent.

As they approached the steps, Noreen instinctively glanced over. This place held memories for her, too.

Rain and mist shrouded the woods, blurring everything in sight. But even through the haze, she could clearly see someone kneeling in pious prayer on the steps above.

Even the monk leading her paused, his gaze fixed on the figure bowing with every single step. "Coming to pray for a charm in this cold?" he murmured.

Then he added, "But I suppose this shows greater sincerity. The charm will be all the more potent."

Noreen's legs suddenly felt like they were filled with lead, and she found she couldn't move.