Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 378

Bianca was clearly surprised, her expression awkward for a fleeting moment before she recovered, extending her hand graciously. “Mr. Vincent. It’s been a while.”

Henry beamed. “Oh, you two know each other? Even better.”

Out of courtesy, Vincent shook her hand, but his expression was lukewarm. Henry, however, was so focused on Bianca that he didn’t notice.

“Mr. Vincent,” Henry began enthusiastically, “the person I mentioned on the phone was Bianca. She has a PhD in Finance from a top international university and led one of the largest port acquisition deals in recent years. She has the credentials and the experience. My proposal is a three-way partnership: you provide the technology, I provide the capital, and Bianca handles the business operations. I’m certain we can make this project a massive success.”

Vincent listened, a faint smile on his lips. “So this was the brilliant plan you mentioned on the phone.”

Henry missed the coolness in his tone and continued to sing Bianca’s praises. “She has a long list of successful projects. The recently launched mobile game, *Aetheria*, was her brainchild. She has a real talent for market strategy, and as for her network…” Henry paused. He wasn’t keen on bringing up Seth, but it was his trump card. “Well, with Mr. Harcourt of Aurelion Group backing her, her connections are second to none.”

This was the source of Bianca’s confidence. Even if she and Vincent had their differences, money talked. With Henry’s glowing recommendation and Seth in her corner, she believed any smart person would know which side to choose.

Throughout the exchange, Bianca kept an eye on Noreen, who had remained silent, her expression unreadable. She was probably just putting on a brave face.

Vincent glanced at Bianca before finally speaking. “Mr. Brooke, I appreciate the offer, but Ms. Gilmore and I have already reached an agreement. I’m afraid we won’t be considering a partnership with Miss Lowell. My apologies.”

Henry’s face fell.

Bianca, however, remained composed. “Mr. Vincent, if you’re still upset about what happened before, I am willing to apologize.”

Vincent waved his hand dismissively. “That’s all in the past. For me, this is a matter of integrity. Ms. Gilmore has invested a great deal into this project, and I can’t simply betray her trust.”

Noreen frowned silently, not bothering to answer.

The door to the adjacent private room opened, and Yves Elwyn stepped out. “Well, look at this, Ms. Gilmore! What a coincidence. You have to join us for a drink, it’s all old friends in here.”

Noreen glanced into the room and saw it was true. It seemed only right to say hello, so she stepped inside.

“Someone pour Ms. Gilmore a drink!” Hugh Summers called out. “Our Ms. Gilmore has been on quite a roll lately.”

“Mr. Harcourt and Ms. Gilmore, did you arrive together?” Yves asked when he noticed Seth had followed her in.