Never Mistake a Queen for a Lapdog novel Chapter 653

The day Winrich and Aether Entertainment went public, the weather was exceptionally beautiful.

The air was clear, the sun was bright, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Noreen ascended to the stock exchange's podium under the watchful eyes of everyone present. The spotlights converged on her, seemingly bathing her in a halo of light.

Below the stage was a dense crowd of media reporters, a forest of cameras and lenses all aimed at her.

The flashes went off incessantly, like a sea of stars crowning her.

"Ms. Gilmore, with Winrich's valuation exceeding 500 billion on its first day of trading, how are you feeling right now?" a reporter shouted.

Noreen remained composed, her voice clear and powerful as she answered, "This is just the beginning."

Those simple words, amplified by the microphone, echoed through the hall, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

A moment of dead silence fell over the room, followed by a thunderous burst of applause.

That was Noreen.

She picked up the golden gavel, a symbol of power, with a smooth, decisive motion.

*CLANG!*

The crisp sound of the bell rang out, echoing to the heavens and heralding the start of a new era.

Congratulatory messages poured in like a flood.

Unable to reply to them all, Noreen posted a message on Twitter to express her gratitude.

She also announced that in ten days, she would be hosting an IPO appreciation reception and dinner in Rivercrest City, extending a warm invitation to all her friends and colleagues.

After posting, Noreen silenced her phone.

She had other things to do today.

Colby drove the car to the hotel, where Rosalind Gilmore was already waiting by the entrance.

Noreen got out and walked up the steps. "Didn't I tell you to wait in the room?"

Rosalind smiled. "I just came down. I haven't been waiting long. Besides, Sophia was with me, wasn't she?"

Sophia shrugged helplessly. "Mrs. Gilmore was getting restless in the room, so I brought her out for some fresh air."

In truth, she had no special plans other than to spend three days showing Rosalind and Katy around Glenhaven City.

Although it was Rosalind's first time meeting Katy, they hit it off immediately, and she adored the little girl.

She even started telling stories about Noreen's childhood, saying how smart she had been and how she never had to worry about her schoolwork.

Katy, who was usually quiet, gradually began to smile and talk more in Rosalind's company.

While she still spoke less than most, it was a significant improvement from before.

Listening to Rosalind talk about Noreen's childhood, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "What about the pretty lady's daddy?"

Katy had always assumed Noreen came from a complete family with a loving mother and father, hence her innocent question.

Rosalind paused for a moment, then smiled. "Her daddy went to a place far, far away."

Katy's faint smile froze on her face. She asked quietly, "Did he pass away?"

Neither Rosalind nor Noreen expected Katy to guess the truth.