Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 431

Halley Joyner shot another irritated glance at Noreen Gilmore, and Noreen's head sank even lower.

Observing Professor Joyner's reaction, Bianca Lowell allowed herself a silent, satisfied smile. Halley was notoriously particular about academic credentials, and upon learning Bianca held a doctorate from a prestigious university, he had become much more engaging. When she'd mentioned a recent research paper, Halley had seized the opportunity to test her, presenting a problem from this year's International Mathematical Olympiad.

Bianca accepted with a show of humility, studying the complex problem meticulously. It was an advanced-level question, and she hesitated, deep in thought, unable to even begin.

Seth Harcourt leaned over her shoulder. "A bit rusty after being out of practice for so long?"

Bianca offered an embarrassed laugh. "You caught me. It's been ages since I've tackled anything like this. It's a little difficult for me."

"That's understandable," Halley said, his tone more philosophical than consoling. "Excellence is born from diligence and lost to idleness. Once most people enter the workforce, their focus splinters. It's hard to maintain that kind of concentration."

Ron Archer peered at the paper curiously. "This is a tough one, no doubt about it."

"Want to give it a try?" Halley asked him.

Ron immediately waved his hands in refusal. "Oh, don't do that to me, Professor. It's been decades since I've looked at anything like this. My brain would probably short-circuit."

Seeing that no one could solve it, Halley looked rather disappointed and was about to retrieve the paper.

Just then, Bianca glanced at Noreen, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, offering no opinion whatsoever. She certainly wasn't participating now—after all, how could she? Smart of her to stay quiet.

*In that case,* Bianca thought, *don't blame me for what comes next.*

"Would Ms. Gilmore like to give it a try?" Bianca asked, her voice deliberately casual.

Suddenly being put on the spot, Noreen frowned, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.

The insinuation was clear, practically screaming that Noreen's professional achievements were all the result of shortcuts and manipulation. Even Ron frowned, finding Bianca's comment unnecessarily harsh. He was about to say something in Noreen's defense when he saw her pick up a pen and begin writing.

Her hand moved across the paper with a fluid, unbroken grace. Her expression was calm, her focus absolute.

Ron's mouth fell open, his words forgotten.

Bianca saw it too, and the sneer in her mind grew wider. *Putting on a good show.* She had noticed that about Noreen—her favorite trick was to feign composure. To put it bluntly, the woman had no shame. She'd bluff to capture everyone's attention. And it was working; Halley and Ron were now completely focused on her.

*How calculating,* Bianca thought. *I hope she's prepared for the humiliation when she fails.*

She turned to say something to Seth, only to find that he, too, was watching Noreen. His expression was as cool as ever, but his gaze was intent.