Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 259

Before Bianca could notice, Noreen quietly stepped aside.

She hadn’t expected to run into Padgett Novak. “Thank you,” she said.

Padgett glanced at the rain pounding harder against the windows and asked, “Where’s the umbrella I gave you?”

“It’s right here in my bag. I carry it everywhere—it’s pretty handy.” Noreen patted her tote with a smile.

He laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Then why didn’t you use it?”

“I thought I wouldn’t get caught in the rain.”

“Well, be careful next time. Even if it’s not cold, getting soaked is never pleasant.”

Before they could exchange more than a few words, Sophia arrived.

Noreen took the chance to return Padgett’s coat, but he shook his head. “Keep it for now. Just bring it back another day.”

Sophia’s car was blocking others behind her, so Noreen didn’t linger. She said goodbye to Padgett, then slipped into the car and left.

That night after a hot shower, Noreen settled in to work late on her business proposal.

Last time she’d gone to Stanton City to see Jennifer, she’d nearly lost Jennifer’s investment because she hadn’t been fully prepared.

She swore she’d never make the same mistake twice. That was Noreen’s rule: always learn from failure.

She was experienced at writing business plans now.

But back at the beginning, she’d been like everyone else—relying too much on emotional storytelling.

She still remembered how, at an investment pitch, Seth had called her out in front of everyone: “This isn’t a business plan, it’s a stand-up comedy routine.”

He’d even joked she should submit her stories to *The New Yorker*—maybe she’d earn a few bucks in publishing fees.

Noreen was so furious she locked herself in the bathroom and cried for ages, then ignored Seth for a long time afterward.

As far as she could remember, that was the only time Seth ever caved first.

He’d shown up at her tiny apartment with takeout—the one and only time he visited her place in seven years.

That night, he’d apologized, gently coaxed her out of her mood, and made sure she ate until she was full—body and soul.

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