Lily and Olive couldn’t understand a word, but Marina and Julian both knew enough Japanese to follow the conversation–just not to speak it.
Marina’s face had soured.
Meanwhile, Julian was practically starstruck by Niamh. He never imagined that a simple summer internship would lead to meeting someone as stunning and accomplished as her.
By the end of the meal, the restaurant owner was so pleased she switched to English, insisting on giving Niamh the meal for free. Niamh politely declined.
“Niamh, there’s no need to keep up appearances,” Marina chimed in, feigning concern. “You’re strapped for cash these days, aren’t you? Just accept the owner’s generosity. There’s no shame in a free meal.”
Her faux sympathy made Niamh’s stomach turn.
“We’re not exactly close, Ms. Thornton, Niamh replied, not missing a beat as she paid the bill on her phone. “How would you know what my finances look like?*
Lily snorted. “Oh, look at her, acting all generous–anyone watching would think she makes seven figures a year! But let’s be honest, it’s her husband’s money she’s spending.”
Niamh parted her lips, ready to retort, but didn’t. The truth was, she wasn’t using Jonathan’s money at all, but the dividends Peter had given her over the years.
Every year, she wired out a small fortune for medical bills–ten million, to be exact–but the Grand Piano Collection by FY was a global bestseller. No matter
how much she spent, her remaining balance we still enough to boggle the
average person’s mind.
The explanation died on her tongue. Instead, Niamh simply smiled. “Well, finding a wealthy, powerful husband willing to take care of me is a skill of its own. You should ask Ms. Thornton–doesn’t she wish she had a husband like that?”
“Niamh!”
“That’s uncalled for!”
Olive and Lily jumped to Marina’s defense, instantly catching the implication behind Niamh’s words.
Marina’s hand twisted her purse strap so tightly it nearly snapped. For the first time,
the hatred in her eyes toward Niamh was plain and raw, no longer hidden.
She’d only planned on a casual lunch with friends, but since Niamh had ruined her mood, she was determined not to let her have the las
word.
“I’m going to the restroom,” Marina muttered, nearly fleeing the table. Julian, meanwhile, was so satisfied by the exchange he gave Niamh a discreet thumbs–up. The food arrived dish after dish. Niamh and Julian dug in with relish, and when Marina finally returned–after a suspiciously long absence–her eyes were red and puffy, clear signs she’d been crying.
Niamh couldn’t help but feel a little triumphant. Who would’ve thought she’d be the one to make Jonathan’s perfect first love cry? She was still savoring that thought. when a stir broke out near the entrance.
“Who is that? He’s gorgeous!”
“Is he an actor?”
“Don’t you know? That’s Jonathan, CEO of The Thomas Group.”
Niamh’s head snapped up. At the next table over, Marina was already standing and
waving.
“Jonathan, over here!”
Jonathan turned at the sound of her voice. Spotting Marina, his gaze inevitably landed on Niamh as well. Just for a moment, his eyes met Julian’s across the table–both men giving each other a cool nod.
Jonathan took a seat beside Marina, as if it were the most natural thing in the
world.
“I saw your post. Your eyes look red–did something happen?” he asked her quietly.
Their tables were so close that Niamh could hear every word. In an instant, she realized what Marina had really been doing in the restroom. So she wasn’t the one who’d made Marina cry–Marina had cried on purpose, just for Jonathan to see.
“It was Niamh,” Olive shot out, jabbing a finger in Niamh’s direction. “She was mean to Marina!”
