Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 515

“My mother is just trying to protect you. Don’t worry, once I’ve established myself in Rivercrest City’s financial world, that little mark on your record will be ancient history.”

Lillian understood, but she was still disappointed. “I know,” she mumbled.

Bianca handed her a necklace, and Lillian’s mood instantly brightened. She admired it in the mirror, her spirits lifted. “When you were kidnapped, I was so scared,” she chattered. “I was worried your fiancé would break up with you. I’m so glad to see you two are still going strong.”

Bianca’s expression hardened. “Don’t ever bring that up again,” she warned, her voice cold. “Especially not in front of Seth.”

Startled by her sharp tone, Lillian nodded quickly. “I understand.”

***

Rivercrest University was buzzing with activity. All of Rivercrest City’s major media outlets had gathered, some for PerseTech, others for InnoCore. As Bianca arrived, she noticed the two roadshow signs standing side-by-side at the entrance. The smile vanished from her face.

“Get a bigger sign,” she instructed her assistant, who immediately rushed off to do her bidding.

Just as she reached the venue, Henry called to say he was on his way. Bianca was thrilled. With the entire Brooke Group behind him, Henry’s support was invaluable to PerseTech.

A few moments later, Yvonne arrived with her entourage. A significant number of them had shown up, a clear sign of their confidence in the high-temperature superconductivity project. Yvonne personally made the introductions. These women, wives of the city’s business elite, held the keys to a vast network of resources that could greatly benefit Bianca’s career. Many titans of industry had gotten their start through these socialite circles; their influence was not to be underestimated.

“How are the preparations?” Seth asked, his gaze sweeping over the venue.

“Everything’s ready, but I’d love for you to take a look inside. You have more experience with this than I do.”

“Of course.”

Bianca linked her arm through his and led him into the hall. Watching them, the light in Henry’s eyes dimmed slightly, but he quickly composed himself and pulled out his phone to call Halley. “Professor, where are you?”

The day before, while playing chess with Halley, he had learned that the professor was attending an IPO roadshow at Rivercrest University. Henry had immediately assumed he was coming to support Bianca.