Backstage, Niamh pocketed half a million dollars in prize money–just from tonight’s race alone.
These days, the Pegasus Cup was held every week, and Niamh had promised the organizers she’d show up whenever she was free.
Truth be told, she hadn’t competed all that many times; she could count her appearances on one hand. But every time she showed up, she took first place. Add to that the fact she was a woman in a male–dominated sport, and it was no wonder the organizers welcomed her with open arms–she always managed to electrify the crowd.
By the time she left the international racetrack, it was late and her stomach was growling. She ducked into a nearby gastropub to grab something to eat.
As soon as she stepped inside, she caught sight of a row of people sitting right by the door–Jonathan, Marina, and Preston Winslow.
They spotted her too. If she turned around and left now, it would look too deliberate, as if she were afraid of them.
Niamh hesitated for a split second, then pulled out a chair and sat down next to
Jonathan.
Jonathan didn’t say a word, just lifted the corner of his mouth in a faint, ambiguous smile.
Marina looked like she wanted to frown but held back, cursing Niamh’s persistence in her head.
Of the three, Preston Winslow was always the most eager to throw shade at Niamh, but tonight, his attention was elsewhere.
“You should’ve seen my idol out there–she was incredible.”
Bragging to Jonathan and Marina wasn’t enough for Preston; he launched into an animated retelling of the race for the pub owner, gesturing wildly as he talked.
At the time, Niamh had no idea the three of them had been at the racetrack. Even when she heard Preston gushing, it didn’t cross her mind that he was talking about her.
Not until he mentioned the name “Katarina.”
Niamh never would’ve guessed that the newest, most enthusiastic fan she’d gained
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after returning to racing would be Preston Winslow–the one person who’d always claimed to despise her.
She ate her late–night meal in silence, while Jonathan and Marina chatted away, completely engrossed in their own conversation. Preston, meanwhile, couldn’t stop raving about “Katarina.”
Sitting next to them, Niamh felt like she was on a completely different planet.
She finished her food faster than the other three. As she was about to pay the bill, she suddenly heard Jonathan say, “You’re not going back to FY…”
He definitely wasn’t talking to Marina.
Niamh shot back without thinking, “And why would I go back?”
“For your boyfriend, of course. Didn’t he try to lure you back with a fat paycheck?”
Jonathan deliberately put extra emphasis on the word “boyfriend.”
Niamh knew exactly who he meant–Peter.
“I don’t need to,” she replied honestly. After all, Peter was already giving her a generous share of the Grand Piano Collection’s profits.
Preston chose that moment to butt in.
“Wow, listen to her–acting like she’s rolling in cash.”
Niamh couldn’t be bothered to respond. She paid her bill and got up to leave.
Jonathan’s voice drifted behind her, cool and indifferent. “It’s late. I’ll have Preston walk you back.”
Preston clearly had no interest in playing chaperone, but heanged his tune quickly enough. “Well, since Jonathan asked, guess I’ll do it. Jonathan’s gotta walk his own girl, so you’re stuck with me.”
Niamh glanced at Preston, who looked thoroughly unimpressed–nothing like the guy who’d just been singing Katarina’s praises. Having a fan like him was almost
comical.
“Did you forget? I have my own car.”
That surprised Jonathan. “You drive?”
“Would you rather I drove without a license?” Niamh shot back.
Jonathan had never bothered to keep up with anything in her life–he was always
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indifferent, always distant.
Once Niamh left, the others finished their meal too. Just as they stepped outside, they saw her slide into a car parked out front.
It was a brand–new white BMW 3 Series, fresh off the lot, not even a license plate
on it yet.
Jonathan lifted his gaze, eyes lingering for a moment.
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Chapter 139
