Chapter 401
Niamh was in the boutique, slipping into one designer dress after another. Vivian had just finished a new collection and insisted she come by to try them on.
“Lana, try this one next,” Niamh said, holding up another shimmering gown and sizing it against Lana’s frame.
“Hey, I’m only here to help you pick a dress. When did this become you picking one for me?” Lana protested with a laugh.
Niamh just grinned, unrepentant. She needed something fresh for the upcoming jewelry industry gala, but buying an extra dress for Lana? That was simply because she was in a good mood–and, for once, she could actually afford it.
“Look, just because you’re rolling in cash these days doesn’t mean I’m going to let you spoil me for no reason,” Lana teased, raising an eyebrow. “Unless, wait–are you trying to win my heart or something?”
Niamh burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. Vivian watched from across the room, her smile tinged with relief. She’d worried that Rina–now living as Niamh–might not be doing well after leaving the Quinn family. But seeing her like this, so carefree and happy, maybe leaving had truly been the right choice. In fact, it seemed she was better off.
But as Vivian’s thoughts circled back to the Quinns, her smile faded. Rina hadn’t left by choice; she’d been pushed out. The Quinns had given up on their own daughter.
Vivian crossed her arms, troubled. Meanwhile, Niamh was still joking around with Lana, but when she glanced over and caught sight of Vivian’s troubled expression, she paused.
“Vivian, is something wrong?” Niamh walked over, concern creasing her brow.
Lana, usually brash and blunt, picked up on the mood. She gathered up the armful of dresses Niamh had picked for her and slipped into the fitting room to give them some privacy.
“Rina…” Vivian’s voice softened, using the old name that only surfaced when they talked about the past.
Niamh immediately knew what was coming. “Did you hear the Quinns adopted a girl?”
“Yeah,” she replied with a nod, “Carlisle told me.”
Vivian’s face tightened, frustrated. “And you’re just okay with that? Your parents would rather take in a complete stranger than bring their real daughter home. It’s just-”
“Enough, Vivian,” Niamh cut her off, her voice colder than usual.
Vivian pressed on, indignation rising. “But I’ve heard she’s already starting to take over some of the Quinn enterprises. They’re grooming her as the heir, planning to match her with some business elite from the upper circles-”
Every word stung; all those privileges should have belonged to Niamh.
“I just don’t get it,” Vivian muttered. “She’s adopted–no blood ties, still an outsider. Why would your parents trust her with everything…”
Vivian’s family had been close to the Quinns for generations, so she couldn’t help but worry. But Niamh only shook her head, a wry smile on her lips.
For the Quinns, espècially the iron–willed patriarch, she was the outsider.
“I’m going to check on Lana–see if she’s managed to wrangle herself into anything yet,” Niamh said, turning away.
As she walked to the changing room, Vivian let out a sigh. She’d hoped bringing up the Quinns would push Niamh to fight for her place, maybe even go home and reclaim what was hers. But it was clear Niamh had no affection or expectation left for her old family. And, worst of all, the feeling was mutual.
Moments later, Lana emerged in a dazzling silver gown, sequins catching the light. Niamh clapped her hands in delight.
“Lana, you look absolutely stunning! You have to come to the gala with me–who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone tall, dark, and handsome. I’ll even play matchmaker for you.”
