“So Mr. Quinn, you really have no shame asking such a personal question. Or am I missing something–do I owe you a report on my private life now?”
Niamh’s retort left Hayes utterly speechless.
Nearby, Carlotta kept her head bowed, her face clouded with silent sorrow.
Peter could hardly recognize Niamh anymore.
All she had to do was answer “no,” yet instead, she’d snapped back, sharp–tongued–a far cry from her usual self.
Still, even though Peter was surprised, he knew better than to meddle in Niamh’s affairs.
“Some people may not have much to offer, but their tempers sure make up for it,” Marigold huffed, unable to stand the way Niamh was picking a fight with Hayes.
In her eyes, the Quinns were as good as family.
“Niamh, you ought to have some respect. Mr. Quinn, is being gracious, and you’re just pushing your luck, aren’t you? Let me remind you, this charity gala is hosted by the Varythian royal family. Mr. Quinn is on very good terms with Prince William himself. Offend him, and Prince William might just have you thrown out on the
spot!”
As far as Marigold was concerned, Niamh was nothing more than Peter’s a…. candy–a pretty face with no substance.
At that moment, music swelled through the hall, and couples began streaming into the ballroom, pairing off for the first dance.
“Jonathan, dance with me!” Ramona called, stepping forward with a bright smile.
“Go on, Jonathan, don’t keep her waiting!” Marigold chimed in, giving him a little nudge toward Ramona.
Jonathan glanced subtly in Niamh’s direction, then murmured an assent. He bent his arm in a gentleman’s gesture, inviting Ramona to take it.
Ramona’s confidence bloomed as she tucked her hand around his arm.
As the pair headed into the ballroom, Jonathan stole a look over his shoulder at Niamh, catching her pointedly turning away, her expression stormy.
An easy, magnetic smile curved his lips.
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Chapter 428
Ramona, catching sight of that smile, held her chin high and straightened her back, her crimson, embroidered fishtail gown swishing as she walked. She looked every inch the socialite, and with Jonathan at her side, they made a striking couple–instantly capturing everyone’s attention.
Arms crossed, Marigold turned to Niamh with smug satisfaction. “See that? Only a lady like Ramona is a true match for Jonathan.”
Niamh flashed a dazzling smile right back. “Well then, I wish them every happiness–may they live happily ever after and may their love outshine gold.”
If Jonathan really did end up marrying Ramona, it would be the perfect revenge against Marina. Why wouldn’t she be pleased?
As Niamh turned away with effortless poise, Marigold rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, “Hmph, she’s just putting on a brave face.”
Niamh was about to take Peter’s arm and join the dancers herself when someone stepped in their path.
He was tall and blond, blue–eyed, dressed in a faultless black tailcoat and white bow tie, every movement radiating aristocratic grace.
Marigold’s eyes lit up the instant she recognized him as Prince William of Varythia.
“Darling, look! Niamh’s about to be thrown out, isn’t she?” she whispered gleefully to her husband.
“Serves her right. Events like these are for the elite–what gives Niamh the right to be here?” Marigold clung to Sprague, eager for the spectacle to unfold.
Nearby, Hayes, Carlotta, and Carlisle stood together, all eyes fixed on Niamh.
In front of the assembled crowd, Prince William suddenly opened his arms wide and swept Niamh into a warm, exuberant embrace.
Chapter 429
Chapter 429
