Chapter 543
Chapter 543
“Look at Miss Ramona-so elegant…”
Marigold’s praise brought a confident smile to Ramona’s lips.
Everyone who dined at Nimbus Summit belonged to the upper crust, and Ramona had made sure to dress to impress, outshining the crowd with her lavish outfit.
But that smile faded as her eyes drifted to the neighboring table.
She had been certain she was the most glamorous woman in the restaurant tonight, yet Jonathan hadn’t spared her a single glance.
A flicker of dissatisfaction flashed in Ramona’s eyes.
Marigold, meanwhile, had assumed that by tearing down Niamh and boosting Ramona, she’d win Hayes and Carlotta’s approval.
But both Hayes and Carlotta looked as if they’d swallowed something bitter.
“Miss Rivers is wearing the latest LV ballet flats-there are only five pairs in the world,” Carlotta remarked coolly.
Marigold paused, caught off guard.
“LV’s whole philosophy these past couple of years has been merging comfort with style. When these flats were unveiled at fashion week, they were paired with a black evening gown.”
“…Oh…is that so..” Marigold forced a smile, awkwardness tugging at her lips.
Why did Carlotta’s words sound like a jab at her lack of taste?
The truth was, when Niamh picked her outfit, she hadn’t cared about brands. She simply chose colors she liked, styles she felt comfortable in-nothing more.
Yet the effect was nearly as striking as any model walking the runway.
“Mrs. Thomas, you don’t seem too happy with your daughter-in-law?” Hayes’s voice broke the awkward silence.
Marigold blinked, then replied crisply, “Not happy at all. If Niamh hadn’t saved Jonathan’s life and the old man insisted he had to repay her, I never would’ve let her into our family.”
“She comes from nothing. Just her mother, who’s got dementia. She used to be obedient enough, stayed home, played the part of a housewife, never drew
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Chapter 543
attention..but then, who knows what got into her? Suddenly she had to have a career, called herself some big-shot jewelry designer-honestly, more like a socialite-and she’s embarrassed the family more than once…”
As Marigold grumbled on, Sprague cleared his throat, once, twice, several times.
Finally, he couldn’t stand it any longer and cut her off. “That’s enough.”
Marigold shot him a puzzled look, unsure why he wanted her to stop.
She was eager to run Niamh down in front of Hayes and Carlotta-surely, if they saw how unwelcome Niamh was, they’d agree she’d be out of the Thomas family soon enough.
But Sprague was more perceptive. He noticed that the more Marigold criticized Niamh, the darker Hayes and Carlotta’s expressions became, as if they couldn’t stand to hear a single word against her
It didn’t make sense. As far as Sprague knew Niamh and the Quinns had never crossed paths Niamh lived in Aldonia, the Quinns controlled Coralis’s old-money elite. Their first real meeting had been at that charity gala.
Could it be that Mr. and Mrs. Quinn had simply taken a liking to Niamh at first sight? He couldn’t figure it out
But right now, salvaging the Quinn-Thomas alliance was all that mattered.
“Mr. Quinn, Jonathan’s marital situation was an oversight on our part… We didn’t mean to deceive you-we honestly didn’t know. But rest assured, Jonathan will divorce Niamh very soon…”
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“That won’t be necessary.” Hayes took a sip of his wine, his tone cool. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Thomas, but there will be no marriage between Ramona and the Thomas family. Your son needn’t divorce Miss Rivers.”
Sprague and Marigold exchanged a look, anxiety and disappointment were written all over their faces.
Just then, Ramona, who had been silent the entire meal, suddenly spoke.
“Dad… I love Jonathan.”
Hayes and Carlotta’s faces paled.
Ramona lifted her head, looking steadily at her adoptive parents.
“Dad, Mom, didn’t Grandpa always say I should marry someone I truly love? I love Jonathan. I want to marry him.”
