“You don’t actually think your dramatic sighs are funny, do you?” Niamh shot back.
Her instincts told her Michael had come prepared. He knew more about her than he let on, and the trap was already set—just waiting for her to walk right into it.
Michael adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, taking his time for the first time to study Niamh’s face intently.
The Thomas Group.
Prescott stepped into the managing director’s office.
“Mr. Thomas, the recent fluctuations in our share price—my hunch is the Burtons are behind it.”
“The Burtons…” Jonathan let out a cold laugh. “Barely back in the country, and already playing games. Keep a close watch on them.”
“Yes, sir.”
After Prescott left, Jonathan dialed Marina’s number.
“Are you busy?”
“Not really. I’m still working on the samples for Luminous Divas Fashion Week,” Marina replied from the other end.
“Michael’s back. You know that, right?”
“…Yeah.”
“You went to the reunion?”
Marina immediately picked up on Jonathan’s displeasure and hurried to explain. “Laurie invited me. I had no idea it was actually a welcome party for Michael… Jonathan, you’re not upset with me, are you?”
A long silence.
“…No.”
Marina let out a theatrical sigh of relief. “Don’t worry. Even if Michael asks to see me, I’d never meet him alone. I know how much you dislike him. I can’t stand him either, and… honestly, it feels like he still hasn’t gotten over me…”
She trailed off, then switched topics.
“Let’s talk about something else. Oh, my parents said it’s thanks to you that their rehab center got the funding. They want to take you out for dinner—when are you free?”
“No need for all that.”
“Just… think of it as family getting together for a casual meal.” Marina tested the waters. Jonathan didn’t object.
She chatted a little longer before hanging up, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
He’s jealous! Jonathan’s actually jealous!
Michael’s timing couldn’t have been better, she thought, grinning to herself.
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