Unlike Marina, who adored pastel pinks and girlish outfits, and unlike Ramona, who exuded sensuality in every glance and gesture, Niamh was something else entirely.
Jonathan had once described Niamh as “a glass of plain water“-utterly flavorless.
For three years of marriage, Niamh had been a full–time homemaker, rarely stepping into the public eye. She never bothered with makeup at home, which was why Preston always called her a frumpy housewife.
Compared to those immaculately styled women who thrived at social gatherings, Niamh truly was as plain as water.
And yet…
Only water truly quenches thirst.
Only water can be consumed endlessly, never harming the body.
And the more you drink, the sweeter it tastes.
“Are we just going to stand here all night?” Ramona finally broke the silence, unable to bear Jonathan’s brooding any longer.
“No. I’ve reserved a table,” Jonathan replied coolly, turning on his heel and striding ahead.
Ramona fell into step beside him.
She was the sort of woman who turned heads wherever she went–stunning, with a figure that drew envious glances, and a reputation as The Speed Queen. As they left the dazzling circuit, people watched her with admiration, some even stopping for her autograph.
But the man at her side didn’t spare her a second glance.
“So, Mr. Thomas–did you invite me out tonight for personal or professional
reasons?” Ramona asked as she slid into the imperial blue Bentley.
Jonathan shot her a frosty look. “Whatever you want it to be.”
Ramona blinked, caught off guard. She studied the striking lines of his profile for a
moment, then curled her crimson lips into a knowing smile.
The plane thundered skyward, cutting through the clouds.
Tonight, Niamh was flying with Peter to Varythia for a charity gala.
Lia
Chapter 424
“Care to wager whose donation will fetch the higher price?” Peter asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Oh, that’s easy–mine, obviously,” Niamh replied, beaming.
Both were special guests at the gala, each donating a piece of jewelry for the
auction.
The event was held aboard the Royal Victoria, a magnificent cruise ship moored in Varythia’s harbor. With its brilliant lights, it was the very embodiment of luxury and romance–old–world royal elegance seamlessly blended with every modern amenity imaginable.
Peter waited outside Niamh’s room while she changed into her evening gown.
Tonight, Niamh would play a dual role: donor and bidder.
She’d chosen a simple white gown from Vivian’s boutique–understated and elegant, perfectly her.
When she opened the door, she found Peter staring, momentarily at a loss for
words.
“What is it, Peter?” she asked, a touch of concern in her voice.
He shook himself, scratching his cheek. “Nothing. You’re just… stunning. So beautiful that for a second, I wondered if I even deserved to stand next to you.”
Niamh blushed, looking down, humbled by the compliment.
“Shall we?” Peter bent his arm, offering it to her.
Niamh hesitated for just a moment before slipping her hand through his arm.
Together, arm in arm, they walked down the corridor. At the end, they came face to face with three others.
Jonathan, Sprague, and Marigold all caught sight of Niamh at the same instant.
But only Jonathan’s eyes dropped immediately to Niamh’s hand, resting lightly on
Peter’s arm.
His brow furrowed, and a chill seemed to sweep the hallway, the temperature dropping with the force of his glare.
A heartbeat later, Sprague and Marigold also noticed Niamh’s compa…on–and the
her hand was entwined with his.
way
