Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 1096

Healy wrapped his arms around her. "I already ate. How did your meeting with Noreen go? Is the deal finalized?"

Gia’s eyes shifted, avoiding his gaze. "No, there are still some details to iron out. I'm planning to head over to Winrich again tomorrow."

Healy gently ruffled her hair. "Then you need to hurry. Half the city is fighting for a chance to work with Winrich right now."

Gia rested her forehead against his chest, her voice slightly muffled. "I know."

"Alright, it's getting late. Get some rest. Goodnight." Healy offered his usual gentle, considerate farewell.

Gia bit her lower lip.

She desperately wished he would stay a little longer. Maybe they could finally take their relationship to the next level. After all, they were engaged. Intimacy should have been a given by now.

But Healy always maintained a polite distance. He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead and turned to leave.

Gia clenched her fists, her expression darkening in the shadows.

She used to think Healy was just being respectful by not crossing any boundaries. But ever since she discovered his lingering feelings for Noreen, his so-called restraint felt like a slap in the face. She felt utterly ridiculous.

Yet, even knowing he harbored feelings for another woman, Gia had to pretend she was completely clueless. It wasn't just because she was in love with him. It was because Healy came with the entire backing of the Naylor Automotive Group. This was the highest social ladder she could ever hope to climb, and she absolutely refused to let go.

...

Seth Harcourt stayed for dinner with Wade Harcourt before finally leaving the Harcourt family estate.

During the meal, Wade hadn't held back his criticism. "Instead of wasting time eating with an old man, you should be figuring out how to make things official with her."

Did he think Seth didn't want that?

Seth was practically going out of his mind wanting exactly that.

But he couldn't rush it. He had to take things one step at a time. Like he'd told himself before, as long as Noreen didn't run away, he was thanking his lucky stars.

When he got into the car, the driver asked if they were heading straight home or to Emerald Point Residences.

Noreen had actually seen all the messages. Especially that last one, which seemed casual but was completely loaded with ulterior motives.

It made her chuckle. The man was going to such elaborate lengths, using the guise of caring for an elder just to get her mother out of town. He was trying so hard.

She didn't reply.

Right up until he unlocked his front door, Seth hadn't received a response. A hollow ache settled in his chest. He wanted to call her, just to hear her voice, but he was worried it might be a bad time if Rosalind was nearby.

Forcing down his urge, he pocketed his phone and pushed the door open.

Inside, the house was pitch black and deadly silent, just like always.

He flipped on the entryway light, preparing to collapse onto the small sofa and space out for a while.

But as the dim light spilled across the room, he froze dead in his tracks, staring at the sight in front of him.