Chapter 368
“So it was her own fault I stepped on her dress…”
Elmer stated this with utter seriousness, then gently slipped his arm around Niamh’s back, guiding her off the dance floor.
Jonathan watched the two of them disappear, then pulled out his phone and dialed
Prescott.
Niamh got a ride home in Elmer’s car.
All the way back, they sat quietly in the car. Neither spoke, but somehow the silence felt companionable–comfortable, even–like the kind of understanding where words weren’t needed.
It had been years since she’d last seen Elmer, but being with him felt just as easy as it had back in high school.
The white Lexus pulled up outside the old house on Trinity Lane.
Niamh didn’t get out right away.
She turned to Elmer. “So, where are you staying these days?”
“I don’t have anywhere to stay,” he said flatly.
‘…Excuse me?”
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh at the pitiful look on Elmer’s face.
He was a top–tier Al specialist, recruited by the Aldonia government. Even if they didn’t put him up in a mansion, at the very least, they’d have provided him with an apartment, right?
No way did she buy his story about being homeless.
“So what’s your plan for tonight? Gonna check into a hotel?”
She played along, not calling him out on the obvious lie.
“It’s so late, it’ll be tough to find a room. Worst case…” He heaved a theatrical sigh. “I’ll just make do on the bench outside your building.”
Niamh burst out laughing. “It’s freezing out. Not worried you’ll catch a cold?”
“Terrified, Elmer replied with mock solemnity, nodding. “That’s why I was hoping
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you’d let me crash at your place tonight. Unless you’re not willing to take in a poor, homeless soul?”
He watched her carefully and caught the flicker of hesitation on her face.
There were things Niamh wanted to ask him. Words she’d never managed to say back then.
But late at night, inviting a man to stay over–especially one she knew had feelings for her–felt risky. She’d known since high school how Elmer felt. She didn’t want to send the wrong message.
“Elmer, I…”
“Invite Lana over too.”
Niamh blinked in surprise.
Elmer gave her a crooked smile. “What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll try something?”
He reached over and pinched her nose, making her puff up her cheeks in protest.
“I bet you’re dying to know what I’ve been up to, aren’t you? Might as well have Lana hear it too. Saves me from repeating the whole story later.”
“Deal,” Niamh agreed instantly, already pulling out her phone. “Bet you anything Lana shows up with beer and snacks.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it for a second!” Elmer’s warm, gentle smile was dazzling.
He’d known all along–Niamh would only say yes if Lana Guthrie was involved.
But as he followed her inside, that bright smile slowly faded into something
bittersweet.
Niamh led Elmer up the stairs.
Beneath the streetlamp, in the shadow of the trees, a black Passat slipped into a parking space, silent and unnoticed.
Prescott, hidden inside, repórted the situation to Jonathan just as he’d witnessed it: Mr. Thomas, Dr. White drove Miss Rivers home. They sat in the car for a while, then he went upstairs with her
Jade Peak House.
Jonathan read Prescott’s WhatsApp message and, in a surge of anger, squeezed his phone so hard that the screen cracked–again. And this one was br new.
213
10:18
Verdant Lake Estates.
In his study, Sprague Thomas, still awake, was surprised to see Jonathan’s name light up his phone.
“Dad, about that Miss Quinn you mentioned the other day… I’ll meet her.
Chapter 369
