Chapter 302
Now Clifford finally understood why Niamh insisted on separating from Jonathan, no matter what.
“Nia, after you and Jonathan finalize your divorce, would you like to be my god–granddaughter?” Clifford asked gently.
The moment the words left his mouth, he saw Niamh’s face stiffen in surprise.
“Grandpa, I know you’re trying to make things up to me, but there’s really no need…” Niamh replied, her voice soft but resolute.
The best way to make it up to her was simply to let her put Jonathan behind her for good.
Only by keeping a safe distance from Jonathan could her body and heart, so bruised and battered, finally begin to heal.
for having
“All right. I understand,” Clifford said, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes blurted that out. He could see it clearly–Niamh wanted to draw a firm line between herself and the Thomas family.
“Well, at the very least, take the money and the shares. That’s all I can give you now,” Clifford offered, trying to sound reassuring.
“Don’t worry, Grandpa. Jonathan already included all of that in the divorce agreement,” Niamh replied.
Clifford was momentarily stunned. “Jonathan… he’s giving you company shares? How much?”
“Ten percent.” Niamh’s answer was matter–of–fact.
Clifford fell silent.
He knew Jonathan had never loved Niamh. For a while, he’d hoped that maybe, after the wedding, Jonathan would grow to care for her, but the way things had turned out proved how naïve that hope had been.
Still, if Jonathan never loved her, why would he give her ten percent of the company after the divorce?
Clifford let out a heavy sigh.
“Grandpa, you should rest now and stop worrying so much… How about I tell you a joke?” Niamh suggested, her tone suddenly light.
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She recited a joke Nestor had once told her, word for word, and soon Clifford was laughing heartily, his booming voice echoing down the hallway.
Outside the hospital room, Sprague and Marigold had already left. Now that Clifford was out of danger, the doctors and nurses had everything under control, and Sprague needed to get back to work. Marigold, never fond of hospitals, didn’t linger either.
But Jonathan remained.
He stood just outside the door, quietly listening to the laughter and conversation inside. It had been a long time since he’d heard Clifford laugh like that–so hearty, so full of life.
Just then, his phone vibrated. It was Prescott calling.
“Mr. Thomas, Ms. Thornton is at the office asking for you.”
Jonathan didn’t answer right away. He glanced down at his screen and noticed three missed calls–he’d set his phone to vibrate while in the hospital.
“Tell her I’m busy,” he said at last.
“And… about Mr. Clifford Thomas being hospitalized…”
“No need to mention it.” Jonathan’s tone left no room for argument.
Prescott understood.
After hanging up, Jonathan looked up just in time to see Niamh quietly stepping out of the room, pulling the door closed behind her.
“Grandpa’s asleep. I’ll stay here with him tonight,” she said, her voice gentle but
firm.
Jonathan was caught off guard for a moment.
He gave a wry smile. “What, aren’t you divorcing me?”
“I am,” Niamh replied without hesitation. The faint smile on Jonathan’s lips faded.
“So when exactly are you planning to come with me to city hall a….nake this official?” he asked, his tone turning sharp.
“Grandpa hasn’t been discharged yet. Can’t you wait?” she shot back, watching as Jonathan pulled a pack of cigarettes from his coat pocket.
“No smoking in the hospital,” she reminded him softly.
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Chapter 302
Jonathan’s fingers tightened around the pack until the cardboard crumpled in his grip.
“We can divorce,” he said coldly, his voice cutting like ice, “but not here in Aldonia.”
His words scraped against Niamh’s nerves, brittle and unyielding.
“Going to city hall together is too risky,” he continued. “We’ll pick a different place. Next month, Julian and Susy are getting married in Blackspire. We’ll go together, handle the divorce there, get the paperwork certified at the consulate, and once it’s recognized, the records here will update automatically.”
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