Peter’s teasing made Niamh laugh–something she’d almost forgotten how to do around him. He’d never been this relaxed and playful before, at least not in her memory.
“Let’s eat. I’ll tell you something after breakfast.” Peter’s hand landed on her shoulder in an easy, familiar gesture.
They shared a simple breakfast in her office. When they finished, Peter got to the point: the list of designers and brands for this year’s Luminous Divas Fashion Week had just been released.
Marina was on it.
Niamh wasn’t.
Suddenly, Niamh understood why Peter had shown up at her door so early, bearing breakfast and jokes–he was worried she’d be upset.
But she’d already known about the list, and she’d made her peace with it.
“I’m fine, really. I’m not that fragile.”
Relief washed over Peter’s face when he realized she was still able to smile. “I’m just glad you’re not letting it knock you down,” he said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat.
Niamh managed a wry smile. “There’s too much riding on this for me to curl up and sulk. My investors wouldn’t let me, even if I wanted to.”
Even if Peter hadn’t come, she would have sought him out for advice. With the door closed on Liam Grant’s recommendation, she needed to find her own way forward.
A week later, Niamh rented the lawn outside Ivory Heights Gardens and hosted the grand opening of her new studio.
For now, she’d hired three employees. It was a modest operation–bare–bones, really–but everything was in place.
Hosting an opening event had been Peter’s idea. If Niamh wanted Luminous Divas Fashion Week to make an exception and invite her, her brand needed to draw attention and gain credibility in the industry. A launch party would help build buzz, attract clients, and expand her network.
She’d agreed, and spent the week preparing with her tiny team and Lana, who’d come to help.
1/2
17:44
With Peter lending his support, guests arrived steadily throughout the morning Still, he looked troubled.
There should have been more people.
“I’m sorry, Niamh. This is my fault…” Peter’s face was drawn, his usual confidence replaced by guilt.
Niamh handed him a glass of sparkling water. “Why are you like me–always ready to take the blame for everything?”
She sat beside him, surveying the rows of chairs. Only two–thirds were occupied.
Marina was hosting her own opening today.
Peter couldn’t compete with Jonathan’s influence in the business world, and Niamh knew it. She’d never blame him. Whether or not Jonathan and Marina had scheduled their event to undermine hers was something she refused to dwell on. Even if they had, there was nothing she could do about it.
“Nia, look who sent a gift!” Lana bounded over, holding out a small, ornate golden figurine.
Niamh took it, turning it over in her hands. Engraved on the front was Julian’s
name.
She hadn’t invited Julian, hadn’t even told him about the studio’s opening. Their run–in at the gala had been pure chance. She’d promised Julian’s mother that she wouldn’t see him again–and after accepting five million dollars from the family, she intended to keep her word.
A rueful smile tugged at her lips as she noticed another name inscribed on the figurine: Susy.
So that was it–Susy, Julian’s fiancée.
Niamh wondered, the next time Julian sent her something, would it be a wedding invitation from him and Susy?
The launch went smoothly, even if the turnout and reach fell short of her original plans.
Halfway through the ceremony, someone arrived, fashionably late.
Chapter 159
