Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 587

"What's wrong?"

Seth's voice came through the line, light and casual. He sounded like he was in a good mood.

Noreen was direct. "Mr. Harcourt, did you happen to buy a painting at the Sotheby's auction?"

Seth paused for a moment, then asked, "Which one?"

From his tone, it seemed he had bought quite a few.

"The Veridian Panorama," Noreen supplied the name.

"One moment," Seth said.

After about thirty seconds, Seth came back on the line. "Yes, I have that one. What about it? Were you interested in it too?"

"I was. Would you be willing to part with it, Mr. Harcourt? I'll pay you what you paid for it."

Instead of answering directly, Seth asked her, "Are you planning to give it to Academician Joyner as a mentorship gift?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll find a way to get it to you," Seth said.

Noreen was about to ask how much it cost so she could transfer him the money.

But Seth hung up.

Left with no choice, she sent him a message on WhatsApp, asking for the price of the painting.

But after sending the message, she received no reply.

Throughout the day, Noreen checked her phone every hour.

But there was still no response from Seth.

It wasn't until the following afternoon, just as Noreen was coming out of a meeting, that Seth called.

"Are you at the office?"

Noreen said she was.

"Come downstairs."

With that, he hung up abruptly.

Noreen had to hurry downstairs, where she saw Seth's car parked on the side of the road.

Its hazard lights were flashing.

Seeing Noreen emerge, Seth rolled down the window and handed her the scroll.

"The painting you wanted."

"Thanks. How much was it? I'll transfer you—"

The only explanation was that Seth had closed the account.

What was wrong with him?

Noreen had a compulsive need to resolve things. If she couldn't sort this out, she wouldn't be able to focus on anything else, let alone sleep.

She called Seth again.

Still no answer.

The second and third calls were the same.

On the fourth try, Seth finally picked up.

His voice held a hint of weary resignation. "What is it?"

"The money," Noreen reminded him. "My transfer to your account was returned."

Seth sighed softly. "Consider the painting a gift from me."

Noreen was about to say that she couldn't accept something for nothing.

But he explained further, "There are no strings attached. Think of it as compensation. Because, besides money, I have nothing else to give you."

"Get some sleep. Don't dwell on this anymore. Good night."