Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 531

So, Professor Joyner really was her guest. Bianca wondered what tricks Noreen had pulled to win her over. Then her eyes fell on a thick stack of papers next to Noreen's seat. Was she trying to put on some scholarly act for the professor now? She'd probably make a fool of herself. But maybe that was exactly the kind of pathetic stunt that had worked.

"Professor Joyner, what do you think?" Bianca turned her attention back to Halley, her tone sincere as she renewed the invitation, pointedly ignoring Noreen.

"I won't intrude on your gathering. Please, enjoy your meal," Professor Joyner replied, politely declining. As Noreen sat down, the professor warmly placed a delicate vegetable on her plate.

Bianca watched, utterly bewildered. It wasn't just a change of heart; the professor seemed to genuinely *like* Noreen. But why? For her bachelor's degree?

She returned to their private room, her mood soured. Jude, oblivious, asked, "Where's Professor Joyner? Isn't she coming?"

Bianca remained silent.

"No," Seth answered smoothly. "She's with company, so it wasn't convenient."

Jude didn't think anything more of it. The other guests were arriving, including Healy Naylor, who hadn't been seen in a while. Word had clearly spread through the investment circle that Seth had secured new capital up north, and the investors who had been clamoring to pull out had quieted down considerably.

Dylan was the last to arrive, delayed by an important meeting.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Jude teased. "Even Dylan decided to grace us with his presence."

"If it's too much, maybe you should put it on hold," Seth advised. "Your health is more important."

"I can't," Bianca insisted. "Being accepted as one of Professor Joyner's students would be a huge boost for PerseTech and for my own career. I can't pass up this opportunity." Seeing the concern on his face, she added reassuringly, "Don't worry, I'm confident I can handle it. I have a doctorate, after all. A master's program in this country should be a walk in the park."

Her tone shifted, laced with contempt. "If anyone should know when to quit, it's Noreen."

Jude, bored with the performance, overheard and inserted himself into their conversation. "What about Noreen?"

"You haven't heard?" Bianca said with a dismissive laugh. "She's also applying to Professor Joyner's graduate program."