Chapter 180
And by a stroke of luck, she’d even managed to guess BYC’s true identity.
“Does Niamh have some kind of secret she can’t talk about?” Peter mused. “If she’d just revealed she was the legendary BYC, she wouldn’t have had to compete at all–Luminous Divas Fashion Week would have begged her to headline.”
“Yeah… She definitely has her reasons,” Peter replied, scratching his head. He couldn’t really explain it either.
The truth was, even he had no idea why Niamh hated being in the spotlight so
much.
But there was one thing he did know for certain: the inspiration behind Niamh’s Grand Piano Collection hadn’t come from any happy memory.
And whatever that painful story was, Niamh never spoke a word about it.
Liam Grant promised Peter he wouldn’t breathe a word about Niamh being BYC.
After the awards ceremony, Niamh was absolutely swarmed–journalists, collectors, movers and shakers in the industry, all fighting to get close to her.
The other designers quietly packed up and left, while Marina just stood there on stage, frozen and alone.
No one spared her a glance.
Watching Niamh crowned the darling of the evening, Marina’s face twisted with jealousy.
Pulling out her phone, she glanced at the time and dialed Jonathan’s number.
Outside, the Sapphire Summit Hall was bathed in the soft golden glow of night, the lights mellow as a lullaby.
It was late before Niamh finally found a quiet moment to pack up her things.
“Congratulations.”
Niamh’s face broke into a wide, genuine grin when she saw Peter.
“I did it! At least I’ve ticked off the first item on the investors‘ list,” she said, only now realizing how much more pressure there was running a company than just working for one.
“Come on, let me treat you to a late–night snack.”
1/3
10:55
Chapter 180
“Hold up!”
Suddenly, Niamh heard Preston Winslow’s voice–and was surprised he was stil
here.
“With me around, you won’t be buying anyone dinner tonight. Niamh belongs to my table tonight,” Preston declared, grinning.
Peter knew who Preston Winslow was, but they weren’t close.
He turned to Niamh, a little wary. “Friend of yours?*
“Um… my husband’s friend,” Niamh replied.
Preston bristled at that. “Just your husband’s friend? I’ve had dinner with you, brought you home when you were tipsy, patched up your hand when you cut it, and-”
“Alright, alright, you’re my friend,” Niamh interrupted, giving in with a laugh.
She couldn’t quite figure out why Preston had been so much kinder to her lately, but there it was.
Peter watched the banter, a hint of frustration on his face. He couldn’t help noticing how much more relaxed Niamh seemed with Preston than with him.
Just then, Niamh glanced past the two men and spotted Quentin standing by the
main entrance.
For once, Quentin’s expression was stripped of all pretense–completely and unmistakably real.
Niamh didn’t say a word. She just watched as Quentin turned and left the hall.
In the end, she declined both Peter and Preston’s invitations, but she mentally noted she owed each of them a dinner.
Instead, Niamh drove herself to a karaoke bar and found the private room she’d reserved.
“Three cheers for our superstar designer!”
Pop! Pop!
Lana fired off a pair of party poppers, making Niamh jump.
“Congratulations! I knew you’d win!” Lana beamed, presenting Niamh with a cake
and a small gift.
Chapter 180
“Lana, you really didn’t have to go to all this trouble…”
“Oh, don’t start with the modesty. This is nothing compared to what you’ve achieved!”
“Thank you… really.”
Niamh was touched. She’d turned down Peter and Preston tonight because she’d promised Lana ages ago they’d celebrate together if she won.
The two friends shared cake, sang their hearts out, and sipped a little sparkling
wine.
Niamh was genuinely happy–but she hadn’t forgotten her main objective.
She pulled out her phone and messaged Jonathan on WhatsApp:
Jonathan, I won the competition. Our little bet still stands, right?
