His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 170

Niamh had never been all that passionate about design.

It just wasn't her thing.

But now, since she'd chosen to make a living in this field, she didn't have the luxury of indifference.

In the office, Quentin set a steaming cup of coffee down on the edge of Niamh's desk.

His job here was broad and often menial; fetching coffee or running errands for Niamh was nothing unusual, so lately, even if he'd been overly attentive, it didn't raise any eyebrows.

In Quentin's mind, Niamh was totally unworthy of being called a designer.

She'd leave her sketches scattered everywhere around the office—so careless that not only someone like him with ulterior motives, but even a random bank rep dropping by to sell credit cards could easily spot them.

If someone as careless and dismissive as Niamh could be a designer, Quentin figured he might as well be one too.

Marina had promised him: if he kept up his undercover work with Niamh, she'd promote him to team lead and make sure he got the resources he wanted.

In other words, the day Niamh lost the semi-final would be the day Quentin finally stepped into the spotlight.

"Niamh, I haven't seen you prepare anything for the next round lately. The deadline's almost here!"

For days now, Quentin had noticed that Niamh was either reading files or on her way to fetch more files—she hadn't so much as picked up a pen. He couldn't hold back and finally asked.

"Don't worry. I've already submitted my final designs."

Niamh's reply didn't bring the look of surprise or congratulations Quentin had expected. Instead, what flashed across his face was something like panic.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing…" Quentin shook his head and forced a smile. "If you're ready, that's a relief."

He made up an excuse, left the studio, and immediately contacted Marina.

Three days later, the official website for the Nova Jewelry Design Awards updated its list. Ten designers had made it through to the finals.

Both Niamh and Marina were among them.

This round's challenge was "cabbage."

Ninety percent of the contestants had gone the obvious route: designing a jade cabbage ornament, including Marina.

Only Niamh chose a different path—she designed a diamond ring.

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