Niamh’s words came out sharp as knives.
Jonathan felt a heavy weight settle in his chest.
He shook his head, wanting to say, “That’s not what I meant.”
But before he could get the words out, Niamh cut him off.
“If you’re so worried about your precious first love, Mr. Thomas, maybe you should run after her instead of wasting my time.”
She tossed the words over her shoulder and turned away, slipping seamlessly into conversation with Samuel and the others.
Right now, she was known as Master BYC–every influential figure in the jewelry world wanted a word with her.
Jonathan could only watch as Niamh was swept up by an eager crowd, realizing he didn’t even have a chance to break in.
He had actually wanted to ask about that incident with the thugs–the one where Niamh nearly got hurt.
“Nia really was in trouble, but I managed to get there in time…” came a warm, refined voice from behind him.
Jonathan turned, frowning. “BYC…”
He barely got the word out before falling silent.
There was no point in asking; he already knew the answer.
He just didn’t want to admit it.
BYC–the three–letter codename Niamh used–was, in fact, the initials of Elmer’s
own name.
Catching sight of Jonathan’s clenched fists, Elmer offered a small, knowing smil
He leaned in, dropping his voice to a near–whisper at Jonathan’s ear.
“Ever wonder why Nia married you in the first place?”
Jonathan’s eyes snapped up.
1/2
10:51
Chapter 395
Elmer’s gentle, honeyed tone continued to burrow into his mind.
“Is it possible… she always cared for me, but when I was hospitalized, she settled for you–a stand–in for the man she really wanted?”
Jonathan spun around, eyes blazing, but Elmer simply returned his glare with a disarmingly sincere smile, the kind that set Jonathan’s nerves on edge.
“If you’ll excuse me.”
With that, Elmer walked away.
Niamh had just finished her conversation with the others. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Jonathan.
He’d clenched his hand so tightly blood had started to drip between his knuckles.
Elmer approached her, feigning innocence. “What’s so fascinating about your ex–husband?”
Niamh blinked, then grinned. “What did you say to Jonathan to get him so riled up?” “You’re not about to feel sorry for him over a little blood, are you? If that’s the case, maybe I should start carrying ketchup with me.”
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh.
She was simply curious about what Elmer had whispered to Jonathan.
“How much blood he loses has nothing to do with me. If he passes out, someone
else can call an ambulance.”
With that, she left the venue accompanied by Elmer.
Jonathan stood there, watching Niamh’s silhouette grow smaller and smaller.
He half–expected her to turn back and glance at him.
But she never did.
Even as she disappeared from sight, she didn’t look back.
Jonathan only gripped his bleeding hand tighter.
The pain was sharp, almost blinding.
Yet, for the life of him, he couldn’t tell what hurt more–his hand, or something far deeper.
2/3
19:51
“Mr. Thomas, are you alright?” Samuel had noticed the blood and stepped over, concern etched on his face.
“I’m fine.”
Jonathan’s voice was calm, almost detached.
What could possibly be wrong?
Elmer had just told him Niamh only ever saw him as a substitute…
Jonathan’s infamous smile twisted into a bitter smirk.
Well, wasn’t that something?
Ever since Niamh had revealed herself as BYC, everyone had scrambled to curry favor with her.
Top jewelry brands like FY were lining up at her door.
Their previous partnership had been limited to a single “Piano” collection, but now the FY executives couldn’t care less about Peter’s frequent contact with her–they were desperate for a deeper collaboration.
Other cross–industry projects came knocking, too.
Several investors had even reached out, eager to buy a stake in her studio.
Niamh worked straight through the afternoon, barely catching her breath until night finally fell.
10.57
