Chapter 141
She’d known all along–Jonathan wouldn’t have shown up here today without a
reason.
“So you deliberately scared off my investor…” Niamh glared at him, her voice sharp with accusation.
Jonathan didn’t even blink. Casually cutting into his steak, he replied, “Do I really look that terrifying? Besides, he just didn’t want to have lunch with you. It’s not like he said he was pulling out.”
Niamh pressed her lips together, holding back the words she really wanted to say.
“I’m opening my own studio. That’s not going to change.”
“Grandfather supports you building your own career. I won’t stand in your way.”
Relief washed over Niamh at Jonathan’s words.
“But Marina’s starting her own jewelry design studio too. You’ll be competitors.”
Jonathan finished his meal and got to his feet, towering over her with an air of cold
arrogance.
“I’m only looking out for you. If Marina’s your rival, you don’t stand a chance. But if you don’t appreciate the advice, that’s your choice.”
With that, Jonathan strode out of the bistro, leaving Niamh alone at the table.
The empty seat across from her made the whole space feel hollow.
She picked up her fork and knife, then set them down again. She hadn’t eaten enough, but her appetite had vanished.
So, Marina was launching a studio too. Direct competition. Strangely, Niamh didn’t feel intimidated.
After all, she’d worked alongside Marina for years. The woman had talent, sure, but her design philosophy and aesthetics had never been Niamh’s taste.
She didn’t believe she’d lose.
What bothered her most was that she’d thought striking out on her own meant finally leaving Marina and all the old rivalries–behind.
Apparently not.
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Chapter 141
Sighing, Niamh decided not to waste food. She asked for the rest of her meal to be packed up. When she went to pay, the waiter informed her that the bill had already been settled–by the gentleman who’d dined with her.
Jonathan, of course.
Was that supposed to be his version of being considerate?
Niamh gave her head a little shake. She’d wasted enough time on useless thoughts. Better to get those job postings up.
She ended up choosing Pinnacle Youth Tower–the office space Marcus had recommended–and posted her hiring ads across all the major job sites.
Now, sitting in her freshly renovated, sunlit office with the windows wide open to air out the paint, Niamh was surprised by a sudden wave of pride.
When she married Jonathan, she’d imagined her life would revolve around home and family, being the perfect housewife, the reliable woman behind her husband’s
success.
She walked over to the window and took a long, steady breath.
The view from the business park was spectacular–rolling green lawns, trees swaying in the breeze, everything alive with possibility.
Now, she had a career of her own.
Thinking about the work ahead, Niamh pulled out her phone. This was no time for basking in the moment.
She knew jewelry design inside and out, but running a business? She was a total rookie. She was about to call Peter for advice when, as if on cue, her phone lit up with his name.
Royal Aurora Manor.
An exclusive neighborhood of elegant villas with perfectly manicured gardens.
Peter drove them into the underground parking lot, Niamh riding shotgun. He
seemed to know about her new studio even before she told him–word traveled
fast in their world.
Striking out on her own was something Niamh found hard to discuss with Peter. After all, she still represented BYC, and her new venture meant she’d be competing directly with FY as well.
But Peter was nothing but supportive. He even promised to help her with
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resources–as long as she continued creating new pieces for the Grand Piano Collection.
Once parked, Peter led her up to street level, where they stood before the home of famed jewelry collector Devon Lowe.
Most independent jewelry designers struggled to break into the market, facing obstacles from established brands with deep pockets and far–reaching influence. Starting her own studio wasn’t going to be easy.
C
