Niamh had just returned to the hall when she spotted Lana being held by the arm by
a man.
It was the first time she’d ever seen Lana wear an expression like that.
Calling her lovestruck might’ve been an exaggeration, but honestly, not by much.
Lana’s eyes were wide and sparkling, fixed on the man in front of her. The delight and adoration in her gaze were obvious–she looked completely smitten.
Niamh was a little stunned.
She hadn’t expected Lana to actually have a romantic encounter at this gala–much less fall head over heels at first sight.
“Are you all right?” the man asked, concern in his voice.
But Lana was still lost in the man’s good looks, barely hearing him.
To Niamh, the guy wasn’t exactly a heartthrob–not compared to Jonathan or Elmer,
anyway.
But he had gentle, boyish features and a natural charm about him. The roundness of his face made him look even younger, and when he smiled, he radiated
innocence.
Niamh recognized him–or, at least, she’d seen him before.
Back in Blackspire, when she’d accompanied Jonathan to that business event–ostensibly as his wife, but really to finalize their divorce–she’d glimpsed this man at the reception.
“Thank you… Oh, I’m Lana. What’s your name?” Lana straightened up, wincing a little–her ankle still hurt–so even as the man let go, she clung to his arm, reluctant to let go.
“I’m Jarrett Guthrie.”
“Wait, your last name is Guthrie too?” Lana’s eyes lit up. “I always thought Guthrie was rare!”
Niamh, watching this unfold, couldn’t help but laugh under her breath.
Lana was obviously just fishing for conversation, desperate to keep his attention.
Jarrett–if she remembered right–was a geneticist at CelestiMed, and now that the
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Chapter 407
company had opened a branch in Aldenville, he was apparently leading the team.
By any measure–career, looks–he was impressive. If Lana did end up with someone like him, it wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.
But…
Niamh frowned, unsettled by a vague sense of anxiety she couldn’t quite explain.
Lana was still chattering away, but Jarrett was starting to look a little impatient.
“Lana!”
Niamh called out, finally stepping forward.
Jarrett noticed her, and his expression shifted slightly. He turned to Lana and asked, “Are you friends with Ms. Rivers?”
“Yeah! Nia and I were classmates in high school.”
“I see…”
Jarrett smiled, the earlier impatience vanishing, replaced by an open, guileless grin. “Ms. Rivers, I’m Jarrett, from CelestiMed’s Aldenville branch.”
He handed Niamh his business card.
She gave him hers in return,
“We actually met once at Blackspire.”
“I remember,” Niamh said. “But at the time, I was… spoken for.”
Jarrett’s remark caught her off guard.
Apparently, everyone at Blackspire knew she was Jonathan’s wife.
Well, at least now everyone knew she and Jonathan were divorced.
“I didn’t realize Ms. Rivers was not only beautiful but also the renown Master–talented and elegant,” Jarrett said politely.
3YC
Niamh took the compliment with a grain of salt. Flattery was part and parcel of these social gatherings.
Beside her, Lana ducked her head, looking a little crestfallen.
“Lana’s my best friend,” Niamh said, nudging Lana forward. “She’s teaching at a training school now, doing great work.”
Chapter 40/
As she spoke, Niamh gently pushed Lana closer to Jarrett.
“I’ve got something to take care of–why don’t you two keep chatting?”
With that, she turned and walked away.
When she was far enough, she glanced back to watch Lana and Jarrett. Seeing them talking and laughing put her a bit more at ease.
She didn’t know Jarrett well. But being trusted by CelestiMed, and collaborating with The Thomas Group, meant he was certainly capable–a genuinely impressive
guy.
The rest would depend on his character.
Suddenly, Niamh found herself thinking of Jonathan.
