Niamh turned to Carlisle. “So, what exactly did he ask you to convince me of?”
Carlisle hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing, really… Mr. Quinn just hopes you can understand why he made those choices back then. He didn’t have much of a choice… He doesn’t want you to hate him, that’s all. And… after all these years, seeing you now–seeing how well you’re doing–he’s genuinely happy for you…”
“If you’ve got nothing else to say, I’ll find another spot to get some air.”
“Wait, wait, just a second.”
Carlisle quickly stepped in her way. He’d known Niamh wouldn’t want to hear any of that, and, truth be told, he was never much good at persuading people anyway.
“What I’m about to say next–you’ll definitely want to hear.”
Niamh arched an eyebrow, giving him a look full of skepticism.
Carlisle reached into the pocket of his tailored slacks and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offering her one.
“Since when did you switch to slim cigarettes?” Niamh asked, surprised.
Carlisle just smiled, saying nothing. That told her everything she needed to know–he’d bought these especially for her.
“I haven’t smoked in years,” she said, a wry smile crossing her lips.
“For your health?”
“To save money.”
She took the lighter Carlisle offered and lit her cigarette. The familiar taste hit her like a wave, dragging her back to the reckless days of her youth, when she was still
a rebellious kid.
“Alright, out with it. What’s this news I’m supposed to enjoy? The Quinn family’s finally gone bankrupt?”
Her sarcasm made Carlisle chuckle despite himself. “No, it’s about that woman–Marina…”
Niamh’s fingers tightened around the cigarette, her expression turning instantly serious.
10.19
Chapter 444
Farther down the deck, Jonathan and Ramona had just finished watching a romantic movie under the open sky. As they strolled along, they spotted Niamh standing at the bow, cigarette glowing between her fingers.
Jonathan stopped in his tracks, raising his eyebrows.
It was the first time he’d ever seen Niamh smoke. He’d had no idea she even knew
how.
When did she pick up the habit? Was it years ago? Or something she learned after they parted ways?
“Looks like appearances really are deceiving, Ramona remarked, her tone light but pointed. “I always thought she was such a goody two–shoes.”
Jonathan’s mind flashed back to their college days. Back then, Niamh really had been the well–behaved girl. Even after they married and she became a housewife, she’d stayed the same.
So, she must have learned to smoke after their divorce.
Niamh was just finishing her cigarette when Jonathan spotted Susy Fraser suddenly storming out of nowhere, charging toward Niamh with a look that could kill.
Susy’s whole body language screamed she was about to shove Niamh overboard while her guard was down.
Jonathan took a step forward, but Ramona grabbed his arm, holding him back.
He shot her a glare, but Ramona only flashed him a dazzling smile.
“I thought you said you were over your ex–wife?”
Jonathan’s face darkened in an instant.
Ramona’s smile didn’t falter, even as his anger burned in his eyes.
By the time Jonathan managed to wrench free from her grip, Niamh had already caught Susy in the act, pinning her against the deck railing.
“Let go of me!” Susy shrieked, thrashing wildly. “Niamh, what are you doing? Haven’t you ruined my life enough?”
Niamh tightened her hold on Susy’s wrist, her voice cool and sharp. “Funny, coming from you. You were the one sneaking up on me, trying to shove me into the sea.”
The commotion quickly drew a crowd.
10-19
“What’s going on here?” Michael strode over, concern clear in his voice.
Susy recognized him immediately–Michael Burton, CEO of Burton Global Education Group.
“Mr. Burton, help me! This crazy woman tried to push me overboard!”
