Chapter 291
Jonathan had never cared much for what was trending online, but this particular headline caught his eye, and he tapped to read more.
When he finished, he exited the page and dialed Prescott’s number.
“Are you asleep?”
“No, Mr. Thomas. Is there something you need?”
Jonathan realized how pointless his question was–Prescott would have told him he was awake regardless of the hour.
“Niamh’s uncle…”
On the other end, Prescott’s eyes widened in surprise.
He hadn’t expected Jonathan to call so late about something unrelated to business. It was about Niamh.
“Yes, Mr. Thomas. I’ll take care of it right away.”
For the next two days, Niamh paid no attention to Bagot’s affairs, and Bagot didn’t bother her either.
She spent her time searching for inspiration for the Frostvale royal project, waiting for a call from either Jonathan or Sprague.
The phone did ring, but the caller wasn’t anyone she expected.
Jenny Haute Couture Bridal.
And there, at the boutique, she ran into Susy and Julian.
Susy was radiant, dressed in an extravagant crystal–studded wedding gown. Her face glowed with happiness, and when she spotted Niamh, her smile grew even brighter, almost dazzling.
Julian, on the other hand, looked startled when their eyes met. He quickly turned away, avoiding her gaze.
Niamh hadn’t expected that reaction.
She’d already been surprised when Susy called her, but she’d figured Julian must have recommended her–after all, Niamh was now one of the hottest names in jewelry design.
But from the look on Julian’s face, It seemed he had no idea she’d been invited
“Niamh, you’re a star designer now! Come help me decide–what jewelry should i wear for the wedding?”
Before she could protest, Susy pulled her closer.
Jenny Haute Couture Bridal was the most exclusive bridal shop in Aldenville. Every dress was a designer piece, every piece of jewelry set with genuine gemstones. Even though everything here was for rent, the prices were enough to bankrupt most people.
Judging by the timeline, it made sense that Julian and Susy’s wedding was finally on the horizon.
“You’re stunning, Susy. Honestly, you’d look beautiful in anything,” Niamh replied, keeping it polite.
Truthfully, she and Susy weren’t even casual friends. Getting involved in someone else’s wedding wasn’t her idea of fun.
“You sound just like Julian!” Susy turned to flash Julian a brilliant smile.
Julian didn’t respond. He kept his head down, doing his best to disappear.
Niamh could tell Julian was uncomfortable.
She wondered if her presence was making things awkward for the soon–to–be newlyweds.
Julian himself was conflicted. He was glad to see Niamh again, but hated that she had to see him here, with Susy, picking out wedding attire.
Niamh considered making an excuse to leave, but Susy gripped her hand tightly, refusing to let her go.
It dawned on Niamh–Susy wanted her there, wanted her to witness the happy chaos of their wedding preparations. She’d sensed as much when Susy sent her the wedding invitation. There was a hint of rivalry, or maybe just wariness–after all, Julian had once cared for her.
“As a professional jewelry designer, I hope you’ll give me your honest opinio. Susy said pointedly.
Niamh didn’t hold back. “To be completely honest, none of these pieces suit you.”
Susy’s smile faltered.
“These styles are too conventional. You could absolutely pull off something more unique.”
At that, Susy’s expression softened a little.
Julian listened quietly, silently agreeing. Everything Susy had chosen–dress, jewelry–was as opulent as possible. But to him, it was all show, no substance.
Then he watched as Niamh selected a simple pearl set for Susy–elegant, understated, and effortlessly refined.
Chapter 292
Julian’s eyes lit up with genuine interest.
“This set is even less my style,” Susy said, shaking her head, her lips curling into a faintly disdainful smile. “It’s so tacky–completely unfit for a proper family. Honestly, it looks cheap. The sort of thing only someone new to money would
wear.”
Niamh just smiled, calm and unruffled. The pearl set she’d picked for Susy wasn’t just any jewelry–it was the final masterpiece of a legendary Van Cleef & Arpels designer before his retirement. The pearls were baroque, irregular, and rare–Tahitian, with a unique platinum–gray sheen. While most people preferred pearls that were perfectly round and white, the designer had deliberately chosen these unusual ones, each selected for its angle and luster, creating a set that was a conversation piece in itself.
Niamh had been surprised the boutique could even get their hands on it. And yet, Susy dismissed it without a second glance.
“I think it’s gorgeous,” Julian said suddenly, leaning in. “You’ve really got an eye, Niamh. No wonder you’re so well–known in the industry.”
Susy’s face fell. She’d tried on set after set, and Julian hadn’t offered a single compliment–yet the moment Niamh suggested something, he practically tripped over himself to agree.
“If you say that,” Susy replied with a sweet but biting smile, “maybe it just proves Niamh’s got a typical guy’s taste.”
With that, she swept into the changing room to try on another gown.
Left outside together, Niamh and Julian stood in an awkward silence. Julian looked as if he wanted to say something, searching for a way to start the conversation. But Niamh remembered her promise and pretended to focus on picking out new jewelry options for Susy, deliberately avoiding Julian’s gaze.
Julian lowered his eyes to hide the disappointment written across his face. He knew Niamh had promised his mother she’d stay away from him. He also knew, unavoidably, that his wedding was fast approaching.
He picked up a dazzling pearl–and–diamond tiara, its sparkle almost blinding beneath the boutique lights.
Just then, Susy emerged from the dressing room–just in time to see Julian placing
Chapter
the tiara gently atop Niamh’s head. It was the same tiara Susy had already chosen for her walk down the aisle.
The moment Niamh realized something was on her head, Julian quickly withdrew his hand. Their eyes met for a heartbeat–just long enough for a fleeting look of joy and longing to pass across his face.
Without a word, Susy snatched the tiara away and handed it to a staff member, choosing a different one for herself. Throughout it all, Niamh had no idea what Julian had done or why Susy seemed irritated.
She had spent the entire day helping Susy put together jewelry sets, but nothing pleased the bride–to–be.
“How about this,” Susy finally suggested, “why don’t you just design me a set, Niamh? Something custom for the wedding?”
“I’m not sure there’s enough time-” Niamh started.
“I’ll pay extra for a rush job. Please?” Susy caught Niamh’s hand in hers, her tone pleading.
Unable to dampen Susy’s excitement, Niamh agreed.
By the time the three of them left the bridal boutique, night had already fallen. It was winter, and darkness came early.
“Niamh, you’ve worked so hard today–why don’t I buy you dinner?” Julian offered, his eyes bright with an eagerness Susy had never seen before. “There’s a new bistro nearby, supposed to be really good.”
He said “I,” not “we,” and Susy noticed.
“No need,” Niamh replied, polite but firm. “I’m not leaving empty–handed–I got a new commission, after all.”
She didn’t miss the disappointment that flickered across Julian’s face, but she knew she had no right to linger any longer.
As she reached her car, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. Someone burst out of a supermarket, sending a ripple of alarm through the crowd.
In his hand, he clutched a knife.
