hapter 142
Most designers ended up focusing on high–concept, bespoke collections aimed at collectors–a niche market where reputation was everything.
Niamh saw things the same way.
Her plan was to make her name in the world of couture for collectors, and only then think about her next move.
Peter agreed with her strategy. In fact, that was why he’d brought Niamh to meet Devon today–to lay the groundwork for her.
As they walked together, Devon’s sprawling, elegant villa came into view.
But then Niamh stopped in her tracks.
Peter paused beside her, both of them gazing silently at the villa’s grand entrance
Two people stood by the front gate.
Peter glanced at his watch. “We’re half an hour early, but apparently, someone else has an appointment before us.”
Just then, the villa’s door swung open and Devon appeared, dressed in a tailored navy suit that gave him an air of old–world sophistication.
“Mr. Thomas, is this the promising new designer you mentioned?” Devon addressed Jonathan, nodding toward the young woman beside him.
Marina wore a demure, elegant dove–grey skirt suit–a little mature for her age, but perfect for making a favorable impression on older clients. Her makeup was subtle, almost understated.
‘Good afternoon, Mr. Lowe. I’m Marina,” she said, offering a shake
Not far away. Niamh took in the scene. It was clear Jonathan, just like Peter, wanted to use Devon as a stepping stone.
The only difference was that Peter was here for her–while Jonathan was obviously here for Marina
As Devon was about to usher Jonathan and Marina inside, he caught sight of Peter and Niamh out of the corner of his eye.
“Peter! You’re here early,” he called out,
Now that they’d been spotted, Peter led Niamh over.
Chapter 142
Suddenly, the villa’s front steps felt crowded with four people squeezed together.
“Mr. Thomas, fancy meeting you here,” Peter greeted Jonathan with a friendly nod.
Jonathan replied with a curt “Mm,” his gaze landing on Niamh.
She wore an asymmetrical chiffon blouse with a chic tie at the collar, paired with wide–leg black trousers–a look that was formal, but still exuded that unmistakable designer’s flair.
Jonathan raised his eyebrows. He couldn’t remember Niamh ever dressing like this
before.
“Is this the girlfriend you mentioned on the phone?” Devon asked, turning to Niamh. The question hung in the air, and for a moment, everyone was silent.
Peter was the first to smile, answering with practiced ease, “That’s right.”
With Peter putting it so plainly, Niamh couldn’t exactly deny it. She figured he was only introducing her that way to smooth things over and give her a better shot with
Devon.
Instinctively, she glanced at Jonathan, curious to see his reaction.
But Jonathan didn’t react at all. It was as if he hadn’t heard a word from Devon or Peter–as if it was none of his business who Niamh was dating.
Niamh felt a pang of disappointment, but then reminded herself that Jonathan had always been this way–unbothered, distant.
Beside her, Marina twisted the hem of her skirt between her fingers. Peter calling Niamh his girlfriend didn’t bother her in the least. What stung was that even Peter could introduce Niamh as his girlfriend, while Jonathan had only ever called her his old high school classmate, a promising young designer he respected.
The tension between the four of them was almost tangible. Sensing something in the air, Devon quipped to Jonathan, “So, Mr. Thomas, are you here to recommend your own girlfriend as well?“/
Jonathan just smiled, neither confirming nor denying it.
Niamh watched as Marina, shyly lowering her gaze, reached out and gently took Jonathan’s hand.
