“What did you have for dinner?”
Niamh stared at Jonathan’s message for ten minutes, unable to bring herself to reply.
Any drowsiness she felt had vanished. She tossed and turned for hours before finally drifting off to sleep.
The Thomas Group’s annual gala was held at the Grand Riverview’s 57th–floor. revolving restaurant.
Employees were allowed to bring one or two guests.
Niamh brought only Lana. Given Julian’s current situation, it just didn’t seem right for him to show up at The Thomas Group.
It was Lana’s first time wearing an evening gown, and she was so giddy with excitement she nearly twisted her ankle.
Niamh had picked out the dress herself–a sleek, off–the–shoulder style that suited Lana perfectly.
Both Lana’s dress and Niamh’s own midnight–blue velvet gown were from ZM.
Every year, by tradition, the gala would open with Jonathan taking the stage and delivering a speech as the host introduced him.
But this
year, the format was different.
Instead, Jonathan invited a woman to join him for the opening dance.
And of course, he chose Marina. Tonight, Marina’s makeup and gown were even more dazzling than usual. Her dress, though also pink, radiated an undeniable: confidence that outshone everyone else in the room.
With the whole company watching, Jonathan took Marina’s hand, slipped his arm around her waist, and they glided across the floor.
“How is this any different from making things official?” Jayne’s voice floated from behind Niamh.
“Official? What do you mean-” Lana had started to turn around, but Niamh quickly hushed her.
The last thing she wanted was for anyone at work to know about her and Jonathan.
True, the divorce had been dragged out by Jonathan for far too long, but as long as they remained separated for two years, she’d still have the right to file for divorce.
Since it was just a matter of time, there was no reason to let more people know–especially at the office.
Otherwise, Jonathan would just assume she was deliberately outing their relationship, claiming she wanted a divorce when she secretly hoped for a reconciliation.
On the dance floor, Jonathan and Marina twirled gracefully.
Niamh had to admit, Marina’s waltz was flawless–her steps precise, her posture elegant, like a swan gliding across a lake.
When the music ended, Marina took to the stage again, this time sitting at the black grand piano. She played Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons” with a poise and artistry that drew thunderous applause.
Marina was impressive.
Niamh couldn’t deny it.
If Marina was so accomplished, what was Jonathan waiting for?
Why not just finalize the divorce, then marry Marina openly and let her into the Thomas family?
The thought made Niamh restless.
Seeing everyone else swept up in the music only heightened her irritation.
She squeezed through the crowd with Lana, hoping to find a quiet spot for a drink, but ran into Lily and Olive instead.
“Did you see that? Now that’s what a real lady looks like–ten years of piano training. And some people? When they played that organ last time, it was pure luck,” Lily said, hands on her hips, voice dripping with disdain.
Lana’s fists itched just seeing Lily and Olive, but she’d already gotten Niamh in trouble once. She couldn’t fisk starting another fight..
Niamh glanced at Lily, then at Olive, and offered a sweet smile.
“Congratulations, you two. Your faces have healed up nicely.”
The memory of their bruised and swollen faces made both Lily and Olive pale.
“Don’t get cocky!” Olive gripped her wineglass and glared at Niamh. “You really think
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you’re some kind of society wife? Let me tell you, you’re nothing but a glorified mald to Mr. Thomas. Marina is the one he truly loves.”
“That’s right. Shameless homewrecker, stealing someone else’s place.”
“How pathetic do you have to be to cling on when you know he loves someone else?”
“You should really look in the mirror and ask yourself if a washed–up woman like you deserves Mr. Thomas.”
Niamh could finally understand why Lana was always tempted to throw a punch when faced with Lily and Olive.
And this was at the company’s annual gala–who knew what they said behind closed doors.
Lana wasn’t much for verbal sparring, and with physical retaliation off the table, she just wanted to drag Niamh away from the confrontation.
But to her surprise, Niamh stood her ground, waiting quietly until Lily and Olive’s tirade petered out.
