Chapter 443
Jonathan watched Ramona in silence.
In Jonathan’s eyes, Ramona could see her own reflection.
“What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?”
“No…”
Jonathan shook his head.
“Is it that Ramona’s just too gorgeous? Jonathan’s totally mesmerized!” Marigold chimed in, trying to break the awkwardness.
“I just thought… you’re different from what your name made me picture,” Jonathan said casually.
“So which is better? My name, or me?” Ramona rested her chin on her palm, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Before Jonathan could answer, Sprague cleared his throat from the side.
“Both,” Jonathan finally replied.
That answer clearly delighted Ramona; the smile in her eyes grew even brighter.
When Jonathan first heard the name Ramona, he’d imagined a refined,
gentlewoman–someone quiet and understated, especially since she was adopted. He’d assumed she’d be reserved by nature.
But in person, Ramona was the exact opposite: confident, radiant, and with a bold, striking figure. She had an undeniable spark about her.
Jonathan soon realized Ramona was fiercely competitive. For instance, when he complimented Marina’s piano skills, Ramona immediately suggested inviting Marina to join her for a duet. She claimed it was just a performance, but anyone. could see Ramona was eager for a friendly rivalry.
Her confidence and ambition were written all over her face.
Looking at Hayes and Carlotta, Jonathan noted that neither of them shared Ramona’s aura. It made him wonder: why did they choose Ramona as their adopted daughter? Was it simply because she was different from them? Or was someone else behind the decision?
“Are you getting interested in me?” Ramona suddenly leaned in and whispered in his ear.
10:19 1
Jonathan instinctively glanced at the next table. Niamh was there, chatting animatedly with Michael, Peter, and Prince William.
He smirked and leaned in toward Ramona, though his gaze remained fixed on Niamh. “Are you sure you’re the one I’m interested in?”
Ramona’s smile faltered for a split second.
Sprague and Marigold watched the exchange, their earlier worries easing just a little.
By now, the charity gala was drawing to a close.
“Mr. Quinn, Mrs. Quinn, how about we go play some bridge? Let the kids have a little time to themselves, what do you say?” Sprague suggested with a wink.
Hayes and Carlotta exchanged a glance and nodded.
“Ramona, didn’t you say you wanted to check out the starlit cinema on the ship?” Carlotta added.
“Perfect! Jonathan, why don’t you go with her?” Sprague said, picking up the cue.
Ramona stood, and Jonathan followed suit. As he glanced back at the other table, he noticed Niamh had already slipped away.
Out on the deck, the ocean wind was brisk. Niamh had thrown a coat over her dress, bracing herself against the chill.
“Hiding out here so they won’t find you?” came a familiar voice from behind.
Niamh didn’t turn around.
Carlisle joined her at the rail.
Even after all these years, Niamh thought, Carlisle hadn’t changed a bit–he seemed frozen in time.
“Is it alright for you to be away from them?” Niamh asked. After all, Carlisle was Hayes’s bodyguard.
Carlisle gave her a rueful shrug. “Why do you think I stayed behind?”
At that, Niamh realized he hadn’t come on his own–Hayes must have sent him to find her.
“Mr. Quinn was worried you didn’t want to see him,” Carlisle said gently. “So he sent me to talk you into it.”
