Chapter 81
Jonathan’s gaze lingered on Niamh, probing, as if searching for secrets. Flustered, she looked away.
Admittedly, gifting a McDonald Stradivarius in front of everyone was a little showy, but opportunities like this didn’t come around twice. For her grandfather’s sake, she was willing to risk Jonathan’s suspicions about her sudden windfall.
Not long ago, Niamh had received a substantial sum from Peter. Between royalties from the Grand Piano Collection, design fees for a new line, and a generous sponsorship after the Solmaris royal family adopted her jewelry as their official pieces, her bank account had never looked healthier.
She’d wanted to give her grandfather a violin for years–this violin–but it had always been out of reach. Now, with the money finally in hand, she’d contacted Linden.
Despite his youth, Linden was the most sought–after concert pianist in the world, a true superstar with connections everywhere. And, as fate would have it, he was Niamh’s protégé.
In the end, Niamh spent fifty million dollars to purchase the McDonald Stradivarius. The transaction left her with only a few million to her name, but that was enough. She lived simply, no different from any ordinary professional, and as long as she could cover her medical bills, she was content.
At the birthday celebration, aside from the guest of honor, no one drew more attention than Niamh and her extraordinary gift.
Marina’s face soured, as if she’d smeared ash across her cheeks. Moments ago, Marigold and Sprague had been raving about the elegant alabaster sculpture she’d gifted. Now, with Niamh’s present revealed, no one so much as mentioned it.
Marina recognized the violin immediately. Even at a conservative estimate, the McDonald Stradivarius was worth hundreds of millions. Where on earth had Niamh gotten that kind of money?
Fuming at how Niamh had stolen the spotlight, Marina tried to appear indifferent, while keeping a close eye on Jonathan. Her only comfort was that, throughout the evening, Jonathan hadn’t once complimented Niamh. Even when face ith a gift worth a fortune, his reaction was barely more than a shrug.
When the party ended, Jonathan was summoned to the study by Clifford.
21:08
For Jonathan, his grandfather’s study was sacred ground–a place reserved serious, weighty conversations. The last time he’d been called in was three years ago, when Clifford had told him, “Since you’re dating Miss Rivers, the woman who saved your life, it’s about time you two started planning your wedding.
A faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air as Jonathan entered. Clifford sat at his desk, stern and composed.
“Grandpa, you wanted to see me?” Jonathan asked, breaking the silence.
Clifford took his time, sipping his coffee before speaking. “It’s nothing urgent… You’re an adult now, old enough to make your own decisions. I’m getting on in years; I’d rather not interfere with you young folks…”
Clifford had barely begun, but Jonathan already knew where the conversation was headed.
“I just want to remind you… Love, as you get older, starts to seem less important than you once thought. If I’m good at anything, it’s judging people. There are some women–maybe you don’t love them, but they’re the right ones for you. The kind who bring you luck, make a good wife… That’s what matters.”
“Yes, Grandpa. I understand.” Jonathan’s tone was respectful, but his eyes remained cold and distant.
“You’re a smart boy; I know you understand me,” Clifford said, taking another sip–this time, his words carried a subtle threat. “And another thing… Regardless of what happens between you and Nia, as long as I’m alive, Marina will never set foot in this family. I want you to remember that. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
