Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 1080

"When I toured Solara Energy a couple of days ago," Mrs. Naylor explained, "Gia mentioned they were looking for a reliable chip manufacturing partner. I immediately thought of Centribo. So, I brought her straight here to introduce you two. I'm hoping we can set up a collaboration."

Noreen was genuinely shocked.

She never expected Mrs. Naylor to be the one offering her a lifeline.

Deeply grateful, she extended every courtesy to Gia.

"I'll let you two discuss the specifics. I'm just an outsider when it comes to the technical details," Mrs. Naylor said.

Barely having warmed her seat, she stood up and took her leave.

Noreen had Sophia walk Mrs. Naylor out.

She then turned her attention to Gia.

Gia leaned back casually on the sofa, her gaze raking over Noreen.

A few seconds later, a smirk tugged at her stunning features.

"Everyone says I look exactly like you. Personally, I think I'm much prettier."

The tone of her voice was immediately off-putting.

If Noreen wasn't absolutely certain they had never met before, she would have assumed Gia was actively trying to start a fight.

Noreen didn't react. "Centribo's chip technology has always been an industry leader. A partnership would certainly provide robust support for Solara Energy's expansion. What specific computing power requirements does your company need?"

"Oh, we have requirements, naturally."

Gia pulled a folder from her designer bag and tossed it onto the coffee table.

Noreen quickly skimmed the documents.

She snapped the folder shut, folded her hands on the table, and leveled her voice into a flat, steady line. "Since you're being so candid, Ms. Vance, I won't waste time beating around the bush."

"If Solara Energy is genuinely interested in a partnership, I expect to see far more detailed specs and data models at our next meeting."

Having grown up navigating the cutthroat corporate world with her father, Gia instantly recognized that Noreen was shutting the deal down.

Without rushing, Gia lifted her teacup, took a delicate sip, and leaned lazily against the sofa.

Ignoring Noreen's demand, she continued in that same aloof tone. "You certainly are decisive, Ms. Gilmore. But to be perfectly honest, I only agreed to this meeting as a favor to Mrs. Naylor."

Setting her cup down, Gia offered a predatory smirk. Her eyes locked directly onto Noreen's, her voice soft but laced with venom.

"Given Winrich's current... situation, you aren't exactly a prime candidate for a partnership. I'm sure you're far more aware of the nasty rumors circulating out there than I am. If I were reckless enough to sign a contract with you, I'd have a very hard time explaining it to my board."

The air in the reception room instantly dropped to freezing.