Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 447

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After his opening remarks, the host called for a warm round of applause to welcome the visionary organizer of the assembly to the stage.

And then, to the astonishment of everyone present, Noreen Gilmore walked into the spotlight.

Bianca's look of eager anticipation froze on her face, replaced by sheer, unadulterated disbelief. Nearby, Jude gasped, grabbing at Healy's arm. "Am I hallucinating?"

Healy swatted his hand away, annoyed. "Don't wrinkle my suit." He still hadn't had a chance to talk to Noreen; he had to look his best.

But Jude was persistent. "I must be seeing things! What is Noreen doing up there?" It was one thing for her to attend the summit, but to be introduced as its organizer was unthinkable.

A wave of confused murmurs swept through the room.

"Is there some mistake?" Henry whispered to Padgett Novak. "Her? The organizer?"

But Padgett's attention was entirely on Noreen. He didn't seem to hear Henry at all. When Henry turned to look at him, he saw an expression of pure, undisguised admiration on his friend's face.

The most stunned person in the room, by far, was Bianca. She found herself clapping along with the crowd, the faint sting in her palms feeling like an invisible slap across her face.