Marina lowered her head, eyes rimmed with red.
“You gave up your job just to take care of my mom. I’m grateful–you have no idea. The last thing I’d ever do is blame you.”
With Jonathan’s reassurance, Marina let out a shaky breath and rested her head gently against his arm.
“But Niamh is amazing, isn’t she? She actually knows the owner of Elixir & Co. I heard Elixir’s been getting awfully close to Neville Corporation lately–probably got introduced by that new CEO over at Neville Media Group!”
As Marina spoke, Jonathan watched Niamh finish her conversation with Chloe. She made her way over to Julian, and the two soon fell into an easy chat.
Jonathan traced the stem of his wine glass with his thumb, pausing for a moment before turning to Marina with a charming smile. “Care to dance?”
Across the room, Julian was caught off guard when Niamh approached him. Ever since their rumored affair had exploded online, things had been chaos–Julian barely had time to breathe before the gossip was finally cleared up and things died down.
He’d been too nervous to see Niamh in person, afraid she’d resent him for hiding his real identity.
The night the rumors first broke, Niamh received a message from Julian explaining everything.
He confessed: he was the eldest son of Neville Corporation. He’d once had a younger brother, but the boy had taken his own life as a teenager–driven by jealousy during his rebellious years, unable to bear the thought of Julian inheriting the family business. Julian carried enormous guilt and had given up the “Mr. Neville” persona because of it.
He volunteered at a youth rehabilitation center, hoping to help troubled teens–trying, in his own way, to make up for not being able to save his brother.
Now, Julian had returned to Neville Corporation for one reason only: meeting Niamh. In his mind, only with enough status and power could he ever hope to win her from Jonathan. Otherwise, Niamh would always see him as a kid.
Niamh still wasn’t quite used to Julian’s sharp suit and slicked–back hair, but she had to admit–this new look suited him far better than before.
1/2
20:04
Chapter 58
“Come on,” Julian said, grinning, “let’s dance.”
He took her hand and led her toward the dance floor, but Niamh stopped short, her eyes fixed on something ahead.
Following her gaze, Julian saw Jonathan, one arm around Marina’s waist, guiding her gracefully through a waltz.
“Forget it,” Julian said quietly. “We don’t have to dance.”
Niamh smiled, shaking her head. “It’s fine. Let’s dance.”
She took his hand first this time, and Julian’s cheeks flushed crimson.
Meanwhile, Jonathan kept one arm around Marina, spinning her across the floor, eyes discreetly following Niamh the whole time. He’d never realized Niamh could dance–and she wasn’t just capable, she was actually quite good.
On the sidelines, Lucy sidled up to Marigold, whispering, “Can you believe Niamh? At an event like this, packed with important people–some of whom know she’s Jonathan’s wife–she’s dancing with another man! And after that whole scandal with him, too. Honestly, I think the rumors are probably true. Marigold, you really can’t just let this slide.”
Marigold’s expression soured, her glare fixed on Niamh.
Thanks to tonight’s gala, The Thomas Group had managed to salvage some of its stock value with new business deals.
At FY, Niamh had just been promoted to team lead of the PO series–her predecessor Monica had been dismissed by Peter.
Marina, on the other hand, had been fired for too many absences, leaving her friends Genevieve and Melanie no choice but to keep their heads down.
That day, Peter brought Niamh some big news.
“The Thomas Group is officially entering the jewelry business. They’ve launched a new brand, T&R, which is set to compete with us directly.”
Even before it was official, Niamh had heard the gossip around the office: rumor had it the president of The Thomas Group started the new jewelry brand just to win
over a woman.
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