Chapter 430
Niamh was the first.
In an instant, every eye in the ballroom turned to her.
She’d chosen her dress carefully–a simple, understated gown, layers of sheer white fabric falling gracefully to an A–line skirt. Niamh had thought such an elegant yet modest look would keep her from standing out at a charity gala brimming with high–profile guests.
Yet here she was, the center of attention.
It wasn’t just because Prince William was her partner for the opening dance. The natural glow of her makeup, paired with the ethereal gown, set her apart from the crowd of women dressed to impress in glamorous, extravagant fashions. There was a freshness and quiet confidence about her–a beauty that felt rare and uncontrived.
She was different. Unmistakably so.
As Niamh and Prince William stepped onto the dance floor, the other couples gradually melted away, one by one.
Even Jonathan and Ramona slipped off to the sidelines.
Soon, only Niamh and Prince William remained.
They glided across the floor, graceful and poised, drawing every gaze in the room. For a moment, the two of them were the very picture of elegance–the highlight of the evening, admired by all who watched from the edge of the dance floor.
Jonathan was among them.
He watched in silence as Niamh moved with effortless joy in the arms of her royal
partner.
When had it happened, he wondered? When had he become just a bystander in Niamh’s life?
Ramona stood close beside him.
Jonathan’s face betrayed nothing, but Ramona noticed the way his hand clenched so tightly that the veins stood out along his knuckles.
Her crimson lips curled into a cold, knowing smile.
Meanwhile, Niamh and Prince William were lost in the music, completely at ease.
1/3
08:55
Across the room, Marigold couldn’t resist gossiping about Niamh.
“Look at her, would you? Who knew Niamh had such a knack for seduction? Thank goodness Jonathan divorced her…”
“Can’t you just keep your mouth shut?” snapped Sprague, shooting Marigold a sharp look before striding away.
He, too, was uneasy, though for different reasons.
In Sprague’s mind, Niamh had always been utterly unremarkable–at best, the kind of woman you might politely call ‘a good homemaker. He never expected her to step out of the shadows, let alone make a name for herself.
Back when Niamh appeared on the cover of *Shine* magazine, Sprague had used her newfound fame to draw attention to The Thomas Group, watching their stock price climb as a result.
But once she’d outlived her usefulness, he’d happily cashed in on the swirl of negative press surrounding her, squeezing out whatever advantage he could.
He’d assumed Niamh was finished.
But here she was, not only surviving but thriving–attending the same elite gala as them, now every bit a member of high society.
And judging by the way she ignored the Thomas family, it was clear she wouldn’t be sharing any of her new connections with them.
Sprague couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.
Still, his focus quickly shifted to the Quinn family. If the Thomases could secure an alliance with them, whatever resources Niamh controlled would pale in comparison.
He picked up a glass of red wine and made his way over to Hayes Quinn.
“I heard that since your daughter took over the Quinn Group, profits have skyrocketed. Mr. Quinn, you and your wife must be so proud–you clearly raised her well!”
Sprague hoped some polite small talk would help him get his foot in the door.
But Hayes barely acknowledged him.
His gaze was fixed on the dance floor, watching Niamh and Prince William with unbroken attention.
08-55
Chapter 430
Sprague raised an eyebrow.
Was it possible Marigold was right? Did Niamh really have that kind of allure?
Had even Hayes been taken in by her?
He frowned, unsettled by the thought.
But even if Hayes was interested in Niamh, surely he wouldn’t stare so openly at a young woman in front of his own wife, would he?
