Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 901

"Holy shit," Claire's jaw practically hit the pavement. "Is that really Seth Harcourt?"

Jennifer Shaw quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, terrified she'd alert the two people nearby.

The shocking scene was enough to instantly sober up the two drunk women. Claire rubbed her eyes hard, making sure she wasn't hallucinating.

Even a worldly woman like Jennifer was stunned. Was this really the untouchable, ruthless corporate titan they all knew?

She never imagined such a proud man would completely break down, collapsing to the ground in front of someone in sheer desperation.

The two of them seemed too focused on each other to notice their audience.

Seth still gripped Noreen Gilmore's hand. Searing heat slid across the back of her hand, making her chest tighten.

Despite the quiet rustle of the wind, a deafening roar echoed in her ears.

Something inside her broke like a shattered dam.

It was her final line of defense.

It turned out she still couldn't remain entirely indifferent to him.

She looked down at him as he bowed his head, his broad shoulders trembling faintly in the darkness.

His hands were freezing.

He had stripped away all his pride, reducing himself to nothing.

Noreen lowered her lashes, watching him quietly.

She had to summon every ounce of composure she had built over the past few years just to keep herself grounded.

Finally, she pulled her hand free. "It's late," she said, her voice as steady as she could manage. "Go back and get some rest."

Seth slumped onto the damp pavement.

He was completely out of options.

Every last sliver of hope had been crushed.

He was drowning in a suffocating wave of despair.

She walked away, though she left her driver behind for him.

Claire and Jennifer whispered furiously in the shadows. "He totally got dumped again!"

"He looks so pathetic."

Before Jennifer could reply, Seth's gaze snapped toward them. His eyes were sharp as ice, the predatory glare almost slicing their skin.

"Have you seen enough?"

Jennifer gave her a baffled look. "Right now?"

"Yes, right now!"

If she waited any longer, she was afraid she'd be hunted down.

...

Harborview City.

The moment Castle Joyner recovered from his injuries, he dove headfirst into his work, spending eighteen hours a day at the office.

Everyone in the company could tell their boss was using work to numb himself.

Noreen's arrival briefly interrupted his mechanical routine.

She explained why she was there.

Castle wasn't surprised in the slightest.

"Honestly, even if you hadn't come to me, I was planning to fly to Rivercrest City to see you next week," Castle said, pouring her a glass of water. "I just didn't expect it to happen this fast."

"Did I cause trouble for you?" Noreen asked.

"I'm the one who brought trouble to your door." Castle looked at her with deep gratitude. "If it weren't for you, I might have lost custody of Katy. Plus, you put yourself in danger several times just to help me. The Joyner family will always remember this favor. If you ever need anything, just say the word."