Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71 

Niamh found herself momentarily mesmerized by Castiel’s striking profile. 

“Get in the car.” His cold voice snapped her back to reality. 

Niamh approached the car and stood by the door. 

Before she could say anything, Castiel asked with a hint of disdain, “It has been several days, and you still haven’t given up?” 

He was referring to Blake’s stringent standards. If he was rejected from the beginning, no matter how hard she worked now, it would be impossible to be selected. 

Niamh gasped for breath. “I’m not one to give up easily, but once I do… it will be for good!” 

Just like her feelings for him, she felt completely indifferent now. Consequently, the recent buzz and reports tying her with Castiel didn’t bother her at all. Previously, she could spend days poring over such reports, but now… 

She had no interest in them or the criticism aimed at her. Her only focus, was on her work. While the media was in an uproar, all she wanted was to get through the collaboration with Leopardbite Intl. 

Hearing what she said, Castiel’s expression darkened. “Get in the car.” 

“I’ll be very busy tonight,” Niamh said. 

“Don’t you get it? Blake thinks your designs are total trash!” Castiel said. honestly. 

Niamh was utterly speechless. Her gaze at Castiel turned cold. It was a coldness laced with animosity. 

Over the years, he had rarely used such harsh language, but now it seemed to come naturally. They had both changed, and neither could judge the other in this regard. 

You may not value the trash I design, but at least I have the chance to make improvements elsewhere,” Niamh retorted. 

Castiel used to say she wasn’t fit for the job and would be unbearable with all the criticism, but he had never given her a chance. While a designer could endure criticism of their work, outright dismissal was intolerable, prompting her to respond with hostility 

Seeing Castiel’s expression darkened, Niamh turned away. “If you’re only here to tell me how awful my designs are, then you can leave.” 

“Stop right there!” Castiel called out. 

Niamh had barely taken two steps. She halted but didn’t look back. 

Castiel continued, “Come to Jamison Manor with me two days from now. It’s Grandma’s 70th birthday celebration…” 

Niamh was stunned for a moment. She then remembered that Margaret Lowe’s birthday was coming up. 

In the past, Margaret had always had many guests at her birthday celebrations. Her 70th birthday in two days was definitely going to be a major celebration. 

Niamh closed her eyes, and her mind flashed back to the roles she had played at every birthday celebration in the Jamison family. Whether it was Margaret’s, Renee’s, or even Castiel’s birthday, she always spent her time in the kitchen. Being around those people was too stifling. 

“Why should I go? To make pastries for everyone?” she asked. Indeed, she was responsible for the pastries every year. 

Billie once thought Niamh wouldn’t be able to survive after cutting ties with Castiel. People always saw her as a delicate lady who never did any work, but in reality, the pastries she made were superb. They were way better than those made by professional chefs.