Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 491

Following Awan’s wishes, Castle held no memorial service. Instead, he personally scattered her ashes in the open sea where they had first met. Noreen’s only solace was that by sacrificing the Sylvan Core deal, she had secured Centribo’s future and granted Mrs. Joyner her dying wish, allowing her to pass with one less regret.

Noreen stayed in Glenhaven City for two more days. Before she left, Castle met with her. He told her that Centribo was his wife’s life’s work and implored her to manage it well. He knew, even without asking, that Noreen would never betray Awan’s trust, but Noreen promised him again that she would make Centribo a resounding success.

As Castle looked at her, his eyes were distant, as if he were seeing someone else through her. Just before she departed, Noreen thought of the man who had risked his life to save her and asked Castle about him one last time.

“Unfortunately, he’s away on business.”

Disappointed, Noreen could only hope for another chance.

She and Colby flew back to Rivercrest City overnight, landing in the early hours of Monday morning. Sophia Cole was there to pick them up, her face glum and uncharacteristically quiet.

“What’s wrong?” Noreen asked. “Fight with your boyfriend?”

“Of course not!”

“Then what is it?”

“Noreen… the accounting and law firms we were close to signing with? They all backed out. Suddenly, they’ve decided not to work with us.” Sophia had been holding this back, not wanting to disturb Noreen while she was grieving.

Noreen paused for a few seconds. “Did PerseTech get to them?”

Sophia nodded silently, then burst out in indignation. “Aurelion Group has its own accounting and legal teams! That bitch Bianca has no reason to go after ours except to mess with us. She’s doing it on purpose!”

It was blatant bullying. Noreen pinched the bridge of her nose. She hadn’t expected Bianca to be so brazen. She had overestimated her sense of decency.

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