“These are specially made for Grandpa–low in salt and oll, so they might taste a little different than before.”
A faint, charming smile tugged at the corners of Jonathan’s lips..
He took Niamh’s words as permission to start eating, so he grabbed a forkful of vegetables and tasted them.
The flavor was indeed much milder than he remembered.
Still, the dish was refreshing, and, though the taste had changed, it was just as delicious in its own way.
Jonathan ate quietly, bite after bite, steadily working his way through the food.
Clifford, still recovering, didn’t have much of an appetite.
Once he’d eaten his fill, he set his fork down and watched Jonathan eat alongside Niamh.
No matter what was on his plate, Jonathan’s manners never faltered; he ate with the same effortless poise and grace as always.
“Now do you see how good Nia is?” Clifford couldn’t help but remark.
He knew, of course, that anything he said now was probably pointless.
Jonathan finished the last of his meal and set his fork down gently.
“I always knew,” he said softly.
Niamh’s eyes lifted at his words.
In the reflection of her gaze, Jonathan’s expression was calm and sincere.
She could tell he wasn’t lying.
It was precisely because he recognized her value–her tireless dedication, her skill in the kitchen–that he’d never wanted to let her go so easily.
Niamh smiled to herself, a touch of irony in the curve of her lips.
Jonathan caught the look and, for the briefest moment, something stirred beneath his composed exterior.
Though Clifford was in good shape for his age, the doctors insisted he needed at least a month in the hospital to ensure a full recovery.
1/3
Niamh had been staying by his side throughout, especially at night, returning home each morning to prepare nutritious meals that Clifford liked.
Despite the demands on her time, she hadn’t let her work slip.
After all, she’d taken on Susy’s commission–something as important as a wedding couldn’t be delayed.
That afternoon, Quentin delivered the cut diamonds straight to Niamh at the hospital.
He’d followed her specifications to the letter, cutting each stone–no matter how small–with meticulous care. Every diamond had the perfect hearts–and–arrows pattern; not a single shortcut had been taken.
After inspecting them, Niamh was thoroughly satisfied.
“Quentin, you really are a talent in the making.”
Quentin blushed, rubbing his nose.
It was the first time Niamh had ever seen him look so flustered.
Still, his eyes shone with pride, clearly pleased by her praise.
He had a passion for design, and under Niamh’s guidance, his skills had improved by leaps and bounds.
Not only was his diamond cutting flawless, but the platinum frameworks he crafted using 3D printing were equally impeccable.
“I knew I could trust you with this project.”
“Thanks, boss. So, when do I get a raise?” Quentin joked, though Niamh suspected he was at least half–serious.
After all, Quentin had originally been planted in her company as a corporate spy by Marina. When the truth came out and Niamh decided to keep him on, she’d taken the opportunity to cut his pay considerably.
He was now doing the work of three people for an intern’s salary.
“No problem. I’ll talk to accounting when I get back.”
“Thanks, boss.”
With a grin, Quentin left, and Niamh turned her attention to hand–setting the jewels for Susy’s wedding set.
12:38
304
From her last visit to Jenny’s Couture Bridal, Niamh had realized Susy had a taste for lavish, dramatic designs.
Though Niamh had her own design preferences, when it came to business, the client’s wishes always came first. She tailored the jewelry sketches to Susy’s bold style and sent her the designs; Susy was delighted.
Back in Clifford’s hospital room, Niamh worked on her craft.
Meanwhile, at the office, Jonathan ran into Marina.
