“Niamh, why weren’t you here the day before yesterday?” Marina asked, sounding casual as she stirred her coffee. “If something comes up, you need to request leave in advance or at least let me know the same day. I might be stuck in the hospital, but you can always message me on WhatsApp.”
་
“I’ll keep that in mind next time,” Niamh replied coolly, lifting her mug and slipping
out of the break room.
Marina watched her go, noting how Niamh seemed determined to pretend that nothing had happened with Daniel, as if the whole thing could just be swept under the rug.
Pulling out her phone, Marina messaged Joker.
The joint venture between The Thomas Group and Riverside Properties was going smoothly, and today marked the grand opening of Celestial Cuisine Plaza. The company’s main conference room had its big screen tuned to the live broadcast of the ribbon–cutting ceremony.
In the cafeteria, plenty of employees lingered over their lunch, eyes fixed on the screen–not so much for the speeches, but for Jonathan, who was as handsome
as ever.
Niamh kept her head down, picking at her food.
She knew Jonathan was well aware that Daniel had tried to drug her–nearly succeeded, in fact. Yet there he was on the screen, standing shoulder to shoulder with Daniel, all smiles as if nothing had happened.
The cafeteria’s beef stew was usually one of Niamh’s favorites; she’d always polished off her plate, not leaving a drop behind. But today, she could barely force down a few bites. The rest went to waste.
That afternoon, a WhatsApp message from Jonathan summoned her to the general manager’s office.
She wondered why he hadn’t just called her on the office line. Then it dawned on her–the internal phone for the Design Division was routed straight to Marina, their boss. Clearly, Jonathan didn’t want Marina knowing he was asking for her. Maybe he was worried she’d get the wrong idea.
Niamh paused outside Jonathan’s office, taking a deep breath before pushing open the door. Honestly, she wasn’t in any hurry to see him. Not after their last blow–up
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Chapter 13
outside her apartment. Meeting now would just be awkward for both of them.
“Mr. Thomas, I’m here,” she said, knocking lightly before stepping inside.
Jonathan barely glanced up, his expression unreadable as he returned to his paperwork.
A weight settled in Niamh’s chest. Of course, why should he care? If Jonathan could be so indifferent after she’d almost been assaulted by Daniel, it was no wonder he wasn’t bothered by their argument either.
“Come with me to Royal Oasis Golf Club tomorrow,” Jonathan said, tossing out the invitation like it was nothing.
Niamh knew the place–a high–end country club, popular with the city’s elite.
“Jonathan, you do realize we just had a fight…” Her voice was quiet, more reminder than complaint.
That got his attention. Jonathan finally looked up, regal as ever. “You think I’m trying to make it up to you?”
Niamh shook her head. She wasn’t that naïve.
He smirked. “Owen and Fiona Vaughn are coming into town for business. They invited us for a round of golf.”
She recognized those names–children of Clifford’s old army buddies, and among the few people who actually knew she was Jonathan’s wife. No wonder Jonathan
needed her there.
“Don’t tell me you’re not going,” he said, his tone light but edged with warning.
Niamh would go, if only for her grandfather’s sake. But that was the only reason.
“Will we be staying overnight?” she asked.
Jonathan let out a low chuckle. “Looking forward to it, are you?”
His smile was all mischief, but his eyes stayed cool. Niamh felt a pr. discomfort under his gaze
ing
She turned on her heel and left, but his voice followed her out. “Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes.”
Once the office door was closed behind her, Niamh couldn’t help but regret how quickly she’d agreed.
At the end of the day, Jonathan was waiting outside the Design Division as usual
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Chapter 112
Marina gathered her things and, radiant with delight under the envious gaze of their coworkers, walked out on Jonathan’s arm.
