Niamh had never been all that passionate about design.
It just wasn’t her thing.
But now, since she’d chosen to make a living in this field, she didn’t have the lowry of indifference.
In the office, Quentin set a steaming cup of coffee down on the edge of Mark’s
desk.
His job here was broad and often menial, fetching coffee or running errands for Niamh was nothing unusual, so lately, even if he’d been overly attentive, it didn’t raise any eyebrows.
In Quentin’s mind, Niamh was totally unworthy of being called a designer
She’d leave her sketches scattered everywhere around the office–so careless that not only someone like him with ulterior motives, but even a random bank rep dropping by to sell credit cards could easily spot them.
If someone as careless and dismissive as Niamh could be a designer, Quentin figured he might as well be one too.
Marina had promised him: if he kept up his undercover work with Niamin, she’d promote him to team lead and make sure he got the resources he wanted.
In other words, the day Niamh lost the semi–final would be the day Quentin finally stepped into the spotlight.
“Niamh, I haven’t seen you prepare anything for the next round lately. The deadline’s
almost here!”
For days now, Quentin had noticed that Niamh was either reading files or on her way to fetch more files–she hadn’t so much as picked up a pen. He couldn’t hold back and finally asked.
“Don’t worry. I’ve already submitted my final designs,”
Niamh’s reply didn’t bring the look of surprise or congratulations Quentin Tradi expected. Instead, what flashed across his face was something like pante,
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…” Quentin shook his head and forced a smile. “If you’re ready, that’s a relief.”
Chapter 170
He made up an excuse, left the studio, and immediately contacted Marina.
Three days later, the official website for the Nova Jewelry Design Awards updated its list. Ten designers had made it through to the finals.
Both Niamh and Marina were among them.
This round’s challenge was “cabbage.”
Ninety percent of the contestants had gone the obvious route: designing a jade cabbage ornament, including Marina.
Only Niamh chose a different path–she designed a diamond ring.
For the first time, Niamh didn’t see the echo of her own creative ideas reflected in Marina’s work.
And the only thing she’d done differently this time was simple-
She hadn’t drafted her designs in the office.
Niamh closed the webpage and sighed.
The Thomas Group.
Jonathan sat in his office, browsing the Nova Jewelry Design Awards website.
He’d known for a while that Marina had advanced to the finals.
Knock, knock.
Prescott entered the room.
“Mr. Thomas, tonight’s dinner is with Mr. Lawson, at The Grand Lonsdale Hotel.”
Prescott finished, but Jonathan didn’t respond.
It was rare to see Jonathan so absorbed in his phone.
His left index finger hovered over the screen, unmoving.
“Mr. Thomas?” Prescott called again.
This time, Jonathan snapped out of it, finally scrolling past the image of a ring–diamonds and emeralds intricately set in the shape of a cabbage
Evening, The Grand Lonsdale Hotel.
Niamh parked her car and stepped out, her fitted black suit giving her the polished look of a true professional.
Chapter 170
Inside the restaurant, she spotted Flynn waiting for her from across the room.
“I told you to dress up tonight!”
Flynn gave her a once–over, his gaze lingering with something almost predatory.
“You don’t think I look good now?” Niamh shot back, her expression icy.
“Oh, you look good, all right–just a little too covered up.” Flynn narrowed his eyes, his gaze drifting down over her long, slender legs, the heat in his look practically wishing her skirt away.
