Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 430

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This was the man, she fumed silently, who had cost her a brilliant protégée. Such a remarkable mind—if Noreen had just pushed herself, she could have been a giant in the academic world by now. She wouldn’t have to be here, humbling herself to network with others. She would have *been* the network.

But instead, the man who had convinced her to abandon that promising future had not only broken her heart but had the audacity to get engaged to another woman, flaunting it for all to see. He had wasted her youth and her talent.

Noreen felt a pang of guilt. She accepted Halley’s silent admonishment with a rare, submissive bow of her head.

This entire exchange did not go unnoticed by Bianca, who was somewhat surprised. It seemed the esteemed Academician Joyner openly disliked Noreen—in fact, ‘despised’ might be a better word. It made sense, she mused. Why would someone like Halley Joyner respect a woman with no background and an empty head?

Buoyed by this thought, Bianca strode confidently toward them.

“Mr. Archer, hello. I’m Bianca Lowell, the executive director of Ascendancy Group. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ron paused, polishing his golf club. “Ascendancy Group?”

“That’s right,” Bianca said, her voice brimming with self-assurance. Ascendancy Group was a leader in its field; there was no way Ron hadn’t heard of it.

But after her introduction, Ron’s expression grew cooler. He gave a curt “Hmm” and returned his full attention to his club. His chilly dismissal left Bianca fumbling, unsure how to continue the conversation.

Noreen used the opening to introduce herself. “Mr. Archer, hello. I’m Noreen Gilmore from Winrich Capital. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Winrich?” Ron’s interest was immediately piqued. He had clearly done his research on the Rivercrest City business landscape. “The investment firm that incubated InnoCore?”