Chapter 132
Niamh slid into the passenger seat of Peter’s car.
No sooner had she settled in than she offered both her thanks and an apology.
She hadn’t meant to drag Peter into this mess. The situation had reached a point where she needed a fake boyfriend, and unfortunately, Peter was the one she had to trouble.
“You really don’t need to be so formal with me,” Peter said with a warm grin, waving a dismissive hand. “Getting to pretend I’m the boyfriend of a beautiful woman? I’d say I’m getting the better end of the deal.”
Niamh couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
As Peter started the engine, he glanced over at her. “If you ever need a favor like this again, just say the word.”
“But…”
“I’m not doing this for free, you know. I do have conditions.”
He turned to look at her, catching the puzzled look on her face–but there was no hint of suspicion.
“Aren’t you worried I’ll ask for something impossible in return? Like, say, you becoming my girlfriend for real?”
This time, Niamh burst out laughing/
“You’re not that kind of guy, Peter!”
She meant it as a compliment, but Peter could only force a wry smile and sigh internally.
“Niamh, why don’t you come back and work with me? I he you resigned and went back to FY, but I can offer you a brighter future.”
He kept his eyes on the road, his tone earnest, as if making a formal job offer.
Of course, there was another layer to his words–one Niamh didn’t pick up on, and he was in no rush to explain.
Silence fell between them for a moment.
“Thank you, Peter,” Niamh said, and her tone instantly gave Peter a sinking feeling.
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“But I’m sorry. I appreciate your offer, really, but I have my own plans.”
“Oh? Not even a hint for me?”
He sounded curious, but now wasn’t the time.
“I’ll tell you everything once it’s all set. Just give me a little time.”
They drove into the old neighborhood on Trinity Lane.
Niamh assumed Peter would just drop her off at the front and leave, but instead, he followed her up the stairs.
She felt a little awkward–Peter was still playing the boyfriend role, maybe a bit too well.
“You should head back. Really, thanks for today.”
Standing at her apartment door, she said goodbye..
“It’s no trouble at all. If you need anything, just call. I’ll be there.”
Before leaving, Peter reached into his suit pocket.
“Almost forgot–this is for you. Congratulations on your new chapter.”
Before she could react, he pressed a small box into her hand.
“This isn’t a company sample. I designed it, but I bought it myself. I thought you’d like it.”
He flashed her a smile, then turned and walked away.
Niamh closed the door but lingered in the entryway, an odd feeling swelling inside her.
She opened the box.
Inside was a brooch–a delicate piece set with clusters of rules and diamonds that sparkled brilliantly.
Downstairs, in a black sedan parked along the curb, Prescott finally saw Peter leave the building and get into his car.
Mr. Thomas, Peter has just left Miss Rivers’s apartment.
He sent the message to Jonathan.
At Jade Peak Pavilion, Jonathan read Prescott’s WhatsApp with his usual
composure.
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He noticed Marina reaching for some crab, so he picked up a piece and handed if to
her.
Just then, another message from Prescott arrived:
Mr. Thomas, Miss Rivers just came downstairs. She’s changed clothes and caught a cab–I’m not sure where she’s headed.
Jonathan was so absorbed in his phone that he didn’t even notice the crab’s sharp shell poke Marina’s hand hard enough to draw blood.
With so many colleagues watching, Marina couldn’t cry out in pain. Instead, she forced a smile and praised Jonathan for being “so thoughtful.”
The afternoon sun was bright and warm.
Niamh’s cab pulled up in front of Azure Dream Bay.
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