His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 159

Niamh was genuinely taken aback to see Preston Winslow.

Especially since he looked nothing like his usual polished self—sweat beading on his forehead, breathing hard, his tie askew. Clearly, he'd rushed to get here.

"What are you doing here? I didn't invite you…"

Her tone made Preston bristle with indignation.

"So what if I wasn't invited? Am I not allowed to show up? I didn't come empty-handed, you know…"

He shoved a paper bag into her hands.

Niamh assumed he'd brought a typical opening-day gift, something businesslike or meant to bring good fortune. Earlier, Julian and his fiancée had given her a golden lion statue as a token of prosperity, both their names elegantly engraved on the card.

But when she peeked inside Preston's bag, all she found was a dress.

A pale blue, delicately laced, ethereal-looking dress—a new Valentino piece from this summer's collection.

It felt far more personal than a customary business gift.

Seeing her confusion, Preston cleared his throat and muttered, "It cost more than the one I got for Marina, by the way."

He really didn't need to say that. If anything, it only made Niamh more baffled.

Still, a guest is a guest—and since Preston had brought a gift, Niamh couldn't very well turn him away. She had no choice but to show him to a seat.

Once seated, Preston beamed with pride, looking for all the world as if he were her guest of honor.

The final event of the day was the dinner.

Preston didn't even get halfway through his meal before he excused himself, apparently summoned by a call from Marina.

Niamh had a sneaking suspicion that Preston had slipped away from Marina's opening ceremony on some flimsy pretense just to be here. Why he'd go to such lengths, she had no idea. After all, she and Preston weren't close enough for him to sneak off just to see her.

Night had fallen by the time the ceremony and dinner wrapped up.

The guests had long since departed. Only Niamh remained, tidying up paperwork and putting the final touches on the day.

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