On the hillside, Marina handed Jonathan a towel, but instead of using it himself, Jonathan gently dabbed the sweat from her forehead.
Niamh looked away.
Bored out of her mind, she decided she’d rather do something productive than watch another couple flaunt their affection. She pulled out some paper and a pencil and started sketching.
Design had never been her passion, yet she had an odd knack for getting lost in her drawings.
She was so absorbed that she didn’t even notice someone sitting down at her table. It wasn’t until she finished and glanced up that she found herself staring into a doughy, piggish face.
Startled, Niamh shot to her feet, her expression darkening.
“Well, Miss Rivers, we meet again.”
Of all people, she hadn’t expected to run into Daniel here.
He looked the same as always–smirking, his eyes raking over her with unwelcome familiarity.
“Are you here alone?” he asked.
Niamh stayed silent, mind racing for a way to shake him off.
“You know, fate keeps throwing us together. I’ve heard a bit about you and Mr. Thomas. Look, he might have deep pockets, but I can treat you well too. How about you name your price? He’s always ignoring you anyway. I’ll pay double. Leave him, come with me–what do you say?”
As Daniel reached toward her, Niamh turned on her heel to leave.
“Hey, don’t go! We can talk about this. It’s just money, after all!”
His hand clamped around her wrist, and she couldn’t break free.
Before she could call out, the sharp clatter of high heels echoed behind them. Daniel abruptly let go, but Niamh barely had time to recover before someone grabbed her by the collar.
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“So, you little homewrecker, I finally caught you!*
The woman was built like a linebacker, broad–shouldered and strong, and she tore at Niamh’s clothes as she shouted.
“Like stripping for men, do you? Let’s see how you like it when I make you do it for everyone!”
With a harsh rip, Niamh’s suit jacket split open, exposing her bra strap.
Panic surged through her. Without thinking, she lashed out, kicking the woman square in the stomach.
She didn’t hold back. The woman flew backward, crashing into the glass partition
behind them.
With a deafening shatter, the glass door exploded. Shards cut into the woman’s arms and legs, leaving her bleeding and screaming.
Niamh stood frozen in shock.
Everything had spiraled far beyond her control.
Daniel, too, stood gaping at the chaos.
The commotion drew attention from the tennis courts nearby. People started gathering, curious and eager for drama.
Across the way, Marina’s smile faltered as she grabbed Jonathan’s arm, stopping him from approaching. Worry clouded her face. “What’s happening over there? Is that Niamh?”
The woman was soon whisked away by ambulance, but it didn’t take long for the incident to blow up online.
Wife Attacks Husband’s Mistress–Gets Kicked Into Hospital! Outrageous!
The woman’s name was Elaine–Daniel’s wife, with a family that wielded real
influence.
Within hours, the internet was awash with fury aimed at Niamh. Old rumors resurfaced: whispers of her supposed affair with Mr. Neville, accusations that she
Every slur was nothing but a gold–digger, even allegations of plagiaris imaginable–homewrecker, escort, fraud, criminal–was hurled her way, as if the entire internet had chosen her for its punching bag.
Inevitably, word of the scandal reached the Thomases.
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That evening.
Jonathan was summoned to Verdant Lake Estates.
Sprague waited for him in the study.
“Dad, I’m here.”
Sprague’s expression was grim. A document lay open in front of him.
“Jonathan, you’ve seen the news, haven’t you?” His voice was steady, but hard.
“I have,” Jonathan replied evenly.
Sprague picked up the document and handed it over.
Jonathan’s eyes flickered as he read the words “Divorce Agreement” on the cover, but he showed no surprise.
“No matter what actually happened, this scandal is bad for the Thomas Group’s reputation. After thinking it over, I believe it’s best for you two to get a divorce.”
Chapter 117
