Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 41

“Take us to the restaurant.”

Seth’s tone was curt, leaving no room for negotiation.

Just like before–he summoned her when he pleased and dismissed her just as easily.

But Noreen wasn’t the same woman she once was.

She wasn’t going to run after him anymore, desperate for even a scrap of his

attention.

Her voice was calm, composed, refusing to bend to his will. “Willow Brook isn’t far from here, Mr. Harcourt. You can easily call a cab.”

Seth’s frown deepened, impatience flickering in his eyes as he reminded her, “Don’t forget, you’re driving a company car. I decide how it’s used.”

Noreen felt the energy drain out of her all at once.

He was right.

The car belonged to Aurelion Group.

Aurelion Group belonged to Seth.

None of it had anything to do with her now, even after she’d devoted herself to Seth and his company for seven long years.

Swallowing the ache in her chest, Noreen handed him the keys. “Here. It’s yours.”

She was done–with the job, with him. There was no reason to keep the car.

All of these things–her job, the car, every privilege–had been gifts from him. And now, he was taking them back, one by one.

Her reaction was almost unnaturally calm, her expression so composed that Seth hesitated for a moment.

Lately, she seemed like a different person.

But he couldn’t quite put his finger on what had changed.

A strange sense of unease gnawed at him, as though something important was slipping away and he didn’t even realize what it was.

Noreen looked up at him, her eyes–still a little red from earlier–growing cold, as

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Chapter 41

flat and lifeless as a dead sea.

She spoke slowly, her tone distant, “Mr. Harcourt, if there’s anything else of yours, I’ll return that as well.”

Seth lifted his gaze, his features as sharp as ever, but his eyes held no warmth.

“What’s with the attitude?”

Cold rain pressed against the windows, seeping its chill into the air, but it was nothing compared to the numbness settling in Noreen’s heart.

So even now, he thought she was just being difficult?

“Fine. Call it whatever you want.” She didn’t bother to explain or defend herself.

When your heart finally goes cold, all you can do is step back and let go.

She knew all too well that if confessing her pain would only spark another argument, then there was no point in clearing up old misunderstandings.

Sometimes, silence and a clean break are the only answers left.

Without another word, Noreen turned and strode out into the rain, not looking back.

She had no more time to waste on Seth.

Seven years–it was enough. More than enough.

The early winter rain was bone–chilling, but Noreen hardly noticed. Her slender figure quickly disappeared into the downpour.

“What’s wrong with Secretary Gilmore?” Bianca asked, clearly out of the loop.

Seth glanced away, his voice flat. “No idea. Forget about her. Let’s just go eat.”

He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over Bianca’s head. “It’s not far. Let’s run

for it.”

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