Niamh had always known that you couldn’t expect anything decent from Bagot.
“When Mom was sick and needed money, you vanished faster than anyone. Now that you’ve heard I’ve married Jonathan, you suddenly want an investment. I honestly don’t know how someone can be as shameless as you”
Bagot stared at her, dumbfounded. He never expected Niamh to lash out at him like that.
“—”
He stammered, but no excuses came to mind.
“I’m still your uncle, you have to help me!” he insisted, clutching at straws.
Niamh stood up, her face cold and voice cutting. “Didn’t you already cut ties with Mom and me? What makes you think you can call yourself my uncle now?” She leaned in, her tone icy with warning. “Don’t forget, I still have that written statement you signed, saying you wanted nothing more to do with us. Since you’re no longer my uncle, I have no obligation to help you. Take my advice and back off. Otherwise, as Mrs. Rothwell, I have plenty of ways to deal with you.”
With that, Niamh turned on her heel and strode away.
“Hey! You can’t just pay for your own coffee!” Bagot called after her, but she didn’t look back. As she stepped out of the café, Niamh let out a weary sigh.
Once again, she’d had to brandish her status as Jonathan’s wife just to scare someone off.
But she knew that if she didn’t, Bagot would never leave her alone.
Even after her warning, Niamh had no faith he’d take the hint.
Her life was already overwhelming–juggling a demanding job, her online persona, and a marriage to Jonathan that was still up in the air. She simply couldn’t handle Bagot adding more chaos to the mix.
But, as usual, things didn’t go as she hoped. The next day, Niamh squeezeu… a visit to the Harmony Senior Residence to see Gemma. No sooner had she sat down than Gemma brought up Bagot.
“Your uncle came to see me yesterday,” Gemma said, her voice gentle but troubled. “His company’s in trouble, and he was practically in tears asking for help… He’s a grown man, Nia, it’s not easy for him. Please, can’t you help him? He’s not even
14.40
asking for money, just hoping Jonathan would invest in his company. I already promised him you’d talk to Jonathan. Ple said if things work out, he’ll pay you back double…”
Niamh felt her blood pressure spike. She was so angry she could barely breathe.
But Gemma’s health was fragile, and her mind came and went. There was no point arguing; it would only make things worse.
By the time Niamh left the senior residence, she felt drained to the bone.
Her phone rang just as she stepped outside.
Meanwhile, Marina had just left the hospital.
She was almost unrecognizable, bundled up in a hat, scarf, gloves, and oversized sunglasses. Thankfully, it was winter, so no one looked at her twice–at most, they might mistake her for some celebrity.
She couldn’t risk being seen. No one could know she was leaving a private clinic. After all, she’d just had surgery–a procedure to restore her virginity.
That night, she’d thought her plan was flawless. She was sure she’d be able to seduce Jonathan.
Instead, Jonathan shattered a glass in their hotel suite, using the pain of a bleeding palm to force himself to stay alert.
For a moment, Marina was genuinely frightened.
But her clear–headedness lasted only a few minutes.
After Jonathan left, the effects of the drug she’d taken surged back. Alone in the room, she was desperate, helpless–no one answered her calls for help.
In the end, she’d called Joker.
He’d laughed at her for failing to trap Jonathan with the drug, then had his way with her, rough and careless.
By the time Marina came to her senses, Joker was gone, and her body in bruises and bite marks.
covered
