Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 473

"When did you get here?" Padgett asked.

"Just now. Landon said you were in a meeting, so I figured I'd come back when you're free," Noreen replied.

Standing opposite them, her eyes inevitably swept over Bianca. Her makeup was exquisite, but it couldn't quite conceal the exhaustion etched on her face—not the weariness of hard work, but the fatigue that follows a night of indulgence.

"You should have given me a heads-up, then you wouldn't have wasted a trip," Padgett said, his tone gently chiding. He paused, then asked with a hint of exasperation, "Did you lose my number, or do you not have my WhatsApp?"

"Next time for sure," Noreen said with a small smile. "You go ahead. Don't mind me."

Padgett hesitated for a moment. "Why don't you join us? It might be good to get an update on the latest policies."

These meetings were usually for disseminating directives from higher up, helping entrepreneurs stay informed about government policies and the national agenda. But Noreen had too much on her plate. With InnoCore's IPO looming and the Centribo acquisition to push forward, she simply couldn't spare the time. She politely declined his offer.

A small smirk touched Bianca's lips. She thought Noreen was good at making excuses, though this one was hardly convincing. Everyone here was busy running multiple companies. Noreen was just too afraid to stay. After all, a massive project like this was completely out of her league. She was smart enough to know when she was out of her depth and not try to force her way into a circle where she didn't belong.

After a brief chat with Padgett, Noreen left. It wasn't until the elevator doors closed behind her that Padgett turned and led the group to the conference room.

Bianca, who had been watching Noreen closely, noticed Padgett's subtle lingering gaze. Her expression froze for a second in disbelief.

Padgett… was interested in Noreen?

Bianca found it incomprehensible. Did Padgett Novak have such poor taste?

On the way to the conference room, Padgett ran into a senior official from the capital who was in Rivercrest City for an inspection.

Padgett treated her no differently than anyone else. "Mr. Lowell's daughter, please, this way," he said formally.

"Of course," Bianca replied, smoothly entering the conference room.

As soon as the meeting concluded at noon, Bianca invited everyone to lunch, including Padgett. However, he declined, saying he had other matters to attend to.

Bianca smiled graciously. "Director Novak, surely you have to eat, no matter how busy you are. You've worked so hard for us all morning. Please let us treat you as a small token of our gratitude."

"You're too kind, but this is simply my job. I'm not doing it 'for' anyone," Padgett replied with a slight bow before hurrying off.

Bianca watched him go, a glint in her eye.