Chapter 240
Niamh flashed a dazzling smile, and Preston Winslow felt as if he’d just grabbed a live wire–every nerve in his body buzzed.
“N–no, it’s… it’s nothing…”
Niamh couldn’t understand why Preston had suddenly started stammering. Casually, she said, “It’s late, you must be starving. Dinner’s on me.”
Preston shook his head, grinning as he jabbed his thumb at his own chest. “No way! Let me treat you. If there’s one thing I’ve got, it’s money.”
Niamh laughed at his antics. Seeing how eager Preston was, she didn’t argue.
They hopped in the car and headed to The Grand Emporium, the city’s most exclusive shopping mall.
Preston clearly knew the place inside and out. He led Niamh through the gleaming. corridors straight to the restaurant he had in mind.
Since Niamh had insisted she was fine with anything, Preston picked an upscale buffet.
“The seafood here is amazing–especially the Alaskan king crab legs. Seriously, you have to try them…”
Niamh followed at his side while he chattered enthusiastically, but her smile faded the moment she caught sight of a certain table inside the restaurant.
Preston followed her gaze and saw Jonathan and Marina dining together, looking every bit the picture of elegance.
Seated across from them were Marina’s parents.
Preston didn’t bat an eye; he hadn’t expected to be surprised. After all, Marina had already told him that Jonathan was taking her and her parents out for dinner tonight–at this very place.
Preston had brought Niamh here on purpose.
He wanted Niamh to see Jonathan for who he really was, to finally let go.
Why waste another thought–on a man who didn’t love her and only wanted a divorce? She’d be better off cherishing what was right in front of her.
The thought startled Preston, and he scratched his head, suddenly flustered. “Where do you want to sit?” he asked Niamh.
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Chapter 240
Niamh pretended not to notice Jonathan and Marina’s family. She picked a table on the far side of the room, as far away from them as possible.
The buffet was nearly empty–no surprise, given the steep prices. It was hard for anyone to go unnoticed here.
Sure enough, the moment they walked in, Marina’s mother, Edna, spotted them.
“Isn’t that Preston Winslow over there?” Edna remarked.
The rest of the table glanced over.
Jonathan’s expression didn’t change; he calmly continued eating his caviar.
Edna exchanged a look with Marina.
“I remember Preston was good friends with you two back in high school,” Edna
mused.
“He still is, Mom!” Marina replied brightly.
“Oh, really… And what about the young lady with him? Do you know her too? Is she Preston’s girlfriend? They look awfully close,” Edna said, her curiosity clearly piqued.
Marina hesitated, as if unsure how to respond.
“Her name’s Niamh. She’s…” Marina didn’t finish, sneaking a glance at Jonathan
beside her.
Jonathan finished his caviar unhurriedly, then asked, “You haven’t mentioned Niamh to your mother?”
“Nope,” Marina replied, shaking her head.
“So you all know each other?” Edna pressed, looking intrigued. “Why not invite them to join us? The more the merrier!”
Galloway Thornton, Marina’s father, nudged Edna with his elbow. “Let the young ones have their date in peace. If Jonathan didn’t have to discuss that Northriver property with us, we wouldn’t be here interrupting his evening with Marina, right?”
“Oh, you’re right, honey. What am I thinking? Let’s let Preston and his girlfriend enjoy their evening.”
As Edna spoke, Marina kept a careful eye on Jonathan.
Of course she’d told Edna about Niamh. Edna knew exactly who Niamh was.
