Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 279

Noreen had no idea the others were discussing personal matters nearby.

As far as she was concerned, her own conversation was strictly business.

Padgett Novak was telling her about a new start-up competition the government and the Rivercrest Chamber of Commerce were co-hosting. The winner would receive substantial support to kickstart their business.

The moment Noreen heard this, she was intrigued and started asking Padgett for more details.

Meanwhile, Healy had been hoping to chat with Noreen—even just about work—but she remained deep in conversation with Padgett Novak. With no opportunity to interrupt, Healy finally gave up.

As he turned to look for Jude, Lillian shyly approached him, offering a bottle of iced tea. “Healy, this is for you.”

“Sorry, I’m not a fan of iced tea,” Healy declined politely.

Lillian quickly added, “Well, what would you like to drink? I can get it for you.”

“I’m not thirsty.”

“Then maybe I could keep you company for a bit?”

Healy frowned. “Sorry, I’m really busy.”

He didn’t wait for her reply, simply walked away. If she weren’t Bianca’s cousin, Healy wouldn’t have bothered speaking to her at all.

Jude was standing by the window, getting some air. He looked more somber than usual, the usual restless energy replaced by a shadow of melancholy.

Healy came over. “What’s up?”

Jude sighed. “I suddenly realized how tough my dad’s had it all these years. These meetings are unbearably dull—he’s been enduring them for thirty years. If it were me, I couldn’t last three.”

He hesitated, then added, “And running a company is so much harder than I thought. Whenever I look at those financial statements, it’s like they’re written in another language. I just don’t get it.”

There wasn’t much Healy could do about that, so he simply encouraged him, “Give it time. You’ll get the hang of it.”

Jude’s gaze drifted across the room. “I’m starting to realize how impressive Noreen is.” He watched her move through the crowd, seamlessly mingling and laughing, completely in her element.

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