Niamh looked up, a spark of curiosity flickering in her eyes as she met Peter’s gaze “What Is It? Something to do with jewelry design?”
“Smart as always.”
Peter grinned and sent a file to her phone.
“CoralisPhosphorock Mountain just uncovered a new mineral vein. The Coralis government brought in a company called CD Exploration–they’ve confirmed the site holds rare gemstones and diamonds of exceptional quality. Estimated reserves are worth over five billion. Word is, the Coralis government’s about to open up mining rights, and FY is interested in bidding. Want to give it a shot?”
Niamh arched an eyebrow, sidestepping his question.
“Who else is in on the bidding?”
“There’s plenty of interest from mining firms, a few big jewelry houses, and…”
Peter hesitated.
“And…?”
Niamh pressed.
“I heard… Marina managed to secure a hefty investment from The Thomas Group. She practically drained all their liquid assets. Jonathan signed off on it himself.”
Even if Peter hadn’t underscored that last part, Niamh would have put the pieces together. These days, Sprague and Marigold’s attention was fixed on the Quinn family. There was no way they’d willingly let The Thomas Group invest everything in Marina.
Peter had expected this news to sting. No matter how Niamh felt about Jonathan now, hearing that her ex–husband was backing another woman so extravagantly
had to hurt.
Instead, he saw her smile.
Peter blinked, and when he opened his eyes again, her expression had returned to its usual calm.
“Thank
you for telling me. That’s genuinely valuable information… But if I join the bidding, you and I will be rivals.”
11:35
Peter couldn’t help but laugh.
“If FY wins the mining rights, I promise we’ll join forces and co–develop the site as long as you agree to collaborate on one more jewelry line with us.
He lifted his pinkie finger in a playful gesture.
Niamh linked her pinkie with his, sealing their pact.
“Sounds like I’m getting the better end of the deal here.”
Peter ducked his head, a shy grin tugging at his lips.
“It’s my honor to let you.”
Word of Niamh’s decision to bid spread quickly, and inevitably, reached Marina’s
ears.
Marina’s studio was on the verge of collapse–abandoned by nearly everyone, battered by constant storms. All she had left was the powerful backing of Jonathan and The Thomas Group. Nothing else remained.
But Niamh wasn’t bluffing. Though still in the hospital, she wasted no time once she resolved to compete. She rallied allies, reaching out to contacts for support.
Marina heard that Niamh had enlisted Elmer to pull some strings in government and smooth things over. She also secured at least a billion in financing from Michael and Preston’s firms. Rumor had it, if FY won the auction, Niamh would get a share in the mining rights as well.
Marina had been determined to win this bid from the start–Jonathan had promised her as much. Whether she could win his heart or not, this was her shot at a comeback. If she landed the mine, the profits would be astronomical. She’d finally have real capital behind her name. Maybe once she was back on her feet, no longer relying on Jonathan and The Thomas Group, the Thomases would finally see her in a new light. Maybe Jonathan would fall for her all over again.
The more she thought about it, the more she knew she couldn’t lose this
bid–especially not to Niamh. Determined, Marina got in her car and drove straight to Dalesburg.
