Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 536

Henry had recently suggested that the expelled protégé might be Bianca. That was the real reason Sanford was in Rivercrest City—to find out if Bianca was the woman to whom his family was so deeply indebted.

He had spoken with Halley briefly before Noreen arrived but hadn't found the right moment to broach the topic. Now, hearing that Noreen was attempting to get into Halley's program, Sanford was genuinely impressed.

"Getting into Professor Joyner's program is no small feat," he said encouragingly. "You'll have to work very hard."

"I know," she replied.

Just then, Halley emerged from the kitchen, carrying a platter of food. He beckoned them to the table and opened a bottle of fine wine.

During dinner, Halley asked Noreen about her work. "Everything is moving forward as planned," she reported.

"It seems Ron Archer wasn't lying," Halley grunted. "He said you're managing Centribo quite well. I heard there's been another technological breakthrough?"

"Yes, but it's still in the testing phase. We'll make a public announcement once the performance is stable."

Sanford leaned forward, his voice filled with a new urgency. "So, you're the one who led the Centribo restructuring project?"

When Noreen confirmed that she was, Sanford's respect for her grew tenfold.

"I never would have imagined someone so young!" he exclaimed. "The next generation truly surpasses the last. To be honest, Brooke Group was also pursuing the Centribo project, but unfortunately, Mrs. Joyner turned us down."

Noreen was aware of this but offered no comment.

"Miss Gilmore," Sanford began, his tone shifting to one of deference, "I have a favor to ask. My son recently graduated from WT Business School. He's ambitious and eager to make his mark, but he hasn't found the right opportunity. I was hoping… perhaps you would be willing to mentor him?"

Noreen was taken aback by the request. "Mr. Brooke, have you discussed this with your son?" she asked, not wanting to commit.

Halley nodded and went back inside, where Sanford was on the phone with Henry, telling him about his conversation with Noreen.

Henry was silent on the other end. Asking *Noreen* to mentor him? It was a slap in the face.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Are you unwilling?" Sanford's voice rose in frustration. "Do you have any idea how brilliant Ms. Gilmore is? She spearheaded the Centribo restructuring and holds the keys to the InnoCore project. You're not even in the same league as her! The fact that she would even consider taking you under her wing is a blessing, and you're turning your nose up at it?"

Fuming, Sanford didn't wait for an answer. He cursed his son's foolish pride and hung up the phone.

***

Halley's wine was potent, with a kick that lingered. Noreen slept for the entire car ride home. She was drifting in a hazy state between sleep and consciousness when she heard Colby's voice.

"Ms. Gilmore, Mr. Harcourt is here again. He's blocking the driveway."