Chapter 134
Though Julian was several years younger, dressed in a tailor–made suit with his hair slicked back, he looked every bit the part–polished, mature, and commanding. The aura he exuded was unmistakably that of someone in charge.
“You’ve done well. From now on, you’ll assist Niamh with her startup as an angel investor. That’s your role for the time being. Perform well, and your bonus will
reflect it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Neville.”
Once everything was settled, Julian was alone in the office again.
He picked up his phone and glanced at a WhatsApp message from his mother–a photo.
Niamh was in unusually high spirits today.
She had finally wrapped up her exit process at the Thomas Group; she was officially free. Her marriage might still be in chains, but at least she was no longer bound at
work. Some freedom was better than none.
Marcus had reached out, offering three million dollars in the first round of funding, on the condition that Niamh’s new brand secured a spot at this year’s Luminous
Divas Fashion Week.
Niamh agreed without hesitation. Any lingering doubts she’d had about Marcus mostly evaporated.
If an investor like Marcus approached her and expected nothing in return, that would have been the real red flag.
At the BMW dealership, Niamh was browsing cars.
Now that she had her own studio, not having her own ride was just impractical, so she decided it was time to buy one.
She’d originally planned to have Lana join her, but after hitting just two dealerships, Lana got a call from work and had to rush off.
Niamh continued shopping alone, and to her surprise, she ran into Marina at the BMW showroom.
Of course, Marina wasn’t alone.
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Niamh had assumed Jonathan would be the one tagging along with Marina.
“What are you looking at, Marina?”
Preston Winslow followed Marina’s gaze, only then noticing Niamh.
Seeing that Preston was the one with Marina already surprised Niamh, but the look of shock on Preston’s face when he spotted her was even more dramatic.
“You’re here to buy a car?” Preston strode over with his usual swagger. “Can you even afford it?”
He waved a dismissive hand before she could answer. “Wait, do you even know
how to drive?”
Niamh couldn’t be bothered with Preston’s nonsense. She turned to leave.
“Don’t walk away! I’m talking to you. Does Jonathan know you’re making a secret car purchase?”
Before Preston could grab her arm, Marina caught his hand first.
Preston flushed, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.
“Preston, let’s not tell Jonathan about this. Niamh has worked herself to the bone for the Thomas family for years. It’s only fair she spends a little on herself.”
“Marina, you’re just too kind. Jonathan’s the one busting his ass making money–why should she get to spend it?”
From Preston’s tone, Niamh gathered that Jonathan must be busy with work today; otherwise, he’d be here with Marina.
Not wanting to waste words with someone like Preston, Niamh turned her attention back to the cars and quickly settled on a white BMW 3 Series–classic and understated. It didn’t scream for attention, but wouldn’t make her look amateurish in client meetings either. It was the perfect choice for a designer launching her own studio.
Marina was making her decision too, opting for the latest limited–edition convertible–a soft–top, two–door in a custom metallic pink.
Niamh had just finished signing the paperwork when she overheard Marina calling Jonathan.
“Jonathan, this is the one I picked in the end. I think it suits me. What do you think?” “No need to worry about saving money for me. As long as you like it, that’s all that
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matters.‘
Marina’s face lit up with a happiness that was impossible to miss.
Niamh caught the way Marina shot her a sidelong glance, clearly making sure she
noticed.
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