Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 5

When Noreen turned around after sending the documents, she found Bianca already seated.

But Bianca had taken Noreen's usual spot.

Noreen froze for a moment, about to say something.

But Seth spoke first. "From now on, you'll sit over there."

Bianca glanced at Noreen with an apologetic smile. "I still have a lot to learn around here, and it'll be easier to ask Seth questions if I'm closer."

Seth had made his decision—what could Noreen say?

Without a word, she gathered her files and laptop and moved to a seat by the window.

No one else in the conference room dared to speak, but Noreen could feel the sympathetic glances from her colleagues.

And those looks of pity felt like needles against her skin.

Halfway through the meeting, Seth raised a question about one of the projects.

"Why hasn't this project moved forward yet? Who's responsible?"

His tone was sharp; everyone who knew him could sense he was about to lose his temper.

The entire room fell silent.

Under the weight of that silence, Noreen stood up. "I'm the one responsible."

Seth shot her a cold look. His voice was even sharper now. "Explain."

"I'm sorry. I was sick for a few days, so the timeline got pushed back—"

She didn't even finish before Seth cut her off. "That's not an excuse. I've made it clear—no one is allowed to let personal issues interfere with work. That's the rule."

Noreen fell silent. She didn't argue, just nodded. "I'll catch up on the progress."

Seth finally seemed satisfied.

Before the meeting ended, Seth turned to everyone with an announcement.

He said he was hosting a welcome party for Bianca that evening at Hesper Lounge, and everyone from the company was invited.

Hesper Lounge was the most upscale club in all of Rivercrest City—expensive, exclusive.

A grand gesture, no doubt.

And it made Seth's favoritism toward Bianca all the more obvious.

Everyone's attitude toward Bianca shifted.

Even Sophia, who was usually oblivious to office drama, picked up on the tension.

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