Chapter 270
“Sorry.”
Niamh apologized to Quentin, but before he could respond, Michael cut in, “He was talking to me. Why are you apologizing?”
Niamh couldn’t help but give a wry smile.
In the end, Michael ended up staying in Quentin’s room.
The next morning, the three of them left the hotel together–though Michael stuck noticeably closer to Niamh.
Today, Niamh had a magazine photoshoot and interview scheduled, with Quentin at her side acting as her assistant.
Niamh thought Michael’s presence was entirely unnecessary, but no matter how many hints she dropped, he simply wouldn’t leave.
At least Michael didn’t cause any trouble. He simply stood off to the side, playing the part of the silent, attractive bystander–except his gaze never wandered from Niamh for a second.
The main shoot today was for Miranda’s magazine, *Shine*.
As Niamh was getting her makeup touched up, someone else entered the studio.
*Shine* was technically a fashion magazine, but it always reserved a business section–featuring the sort of industry giants who, by coincidence, were both impossibly successful and looked like they belonged on a movie poster.
Take Jonathan, for example.
Niamh spotted Jonathan the moment he walked in.
He was as impeccably dressed as ever: a crisp white suit, clearly chosen just for
the shoot.
But Niamh couldn’t help but frown.
Jonathan’s arms… really weren’t suited for a suit jacket.
Then her eyes drifted to Marina, who walked in at Jonathan’s side.
Marina was dressed to impress as well, her blush–pink suit straight from Dior’s spring couture collection.
But today’s shoot had nothing to do with Marina.
Of everyone present, Niamh seemed to be the only one who even glanced Marina’s way.
Marina had become just another beautiful, silent accessory–much like Michael.
After last night’s gala, Marina had come to the sobering realization that her runway appearance at Luminous Divas Fashion Week was a failure.
But she hadn’t given up yet. She still had Jonathan.
As long as she stayed by his side, there’d be no shortage of connections or opportunities.
Originally, Niamh and Jonathan were set to do separate shoots and interviews–their features were entirely different.
But after they each finished their solo portraits, Miranda had a sudden flash of inspiration and suggested a joint photo session.
Fresh outfits and new styling were quickly arranged for both of them.
As Niamh and Jonathan headed to their respective dressing rooms, Marina strolled over to Michael.
It was obvious Michael had flown to Solterra just for her.
He hadn’t approached her directly because he was being considerate–he knew she and Jonathan were inseparable these days. If he’d shown up unannounced, Jonathan might get the wrong idea.
But now that Jonathan was in makeup, Marina decided it was the perfect time to have a private word with Michael.
She didn’t like Michael, not really–but Michael liked her. And that made him a useful piece in her game.
“Michael…”
She called his name sweetly, putting on a shy act.
Michael didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the dressing room doors.
“Are you and Miranda on good terms?” Marina finally asked, getting to the point.
Only then did Michael look over at her for
ne first time.
He used to love seeing Marina in pink.
Chapter 270
Back in high school, when they were young and carefree, her delicate features and soft colors had suited her perfectly.
But now, Marina was nearing thirty.
Wasn’t pink a little too precious at this age?
For the first time, Michael found himself wondering.
He adjusted his gold–rimmed glasses, giving Marina a slow, appraising look.
Under his frank stare, Marina’s cheeks turned pink as she glanced down, feigning embarrassment.
Suddenly, two words flashed through Michael’s mind:
