The moment the mayor of Aldenville and the superintendent both showed Elmer such deference, the once arrogant woman instantly shrank back, her bravado dissolving.
Elmer offered a slight smile, then walked over and gently took Niamh’s hand, leading her toward the two dignitaries.
Jonathan saw this, and a flicker of unease crossed his face.
Niamh, meanwhile, was still a little dazed. She was caught up in the joy of reuniting with Elmer, but at the same time, she couldn't fathom how he’d managed to transform himself into one of the top AI specialists brought in by the Aldonia government. And apparently, he’d earned a doctorate along the way.
“This is Niamh,” Elmer introduced her with warmth. “We went to high school together. Now she’s an internationally renowned jewelry designer—the crown for Queen Elizabeth of Frostvale was her work.”
As he spoke, Elmer unsealed the package he’d been carrying.
To give Marina a taste of her own medicine, Niamh had arranged to have the crown delivered by a professional courier. What she hadn’t expected was that Elmer himself would end up as the messenger.
Of course, Aldenville’s officials already knew who Niamh was. She’d been in the spotlight not long ago—touted by *Shine* magazine as a rising star in design. She was also, notably, Jonathan’s wife.
But fame had proved fleeting. Overnight, Niamh became the subject of scandal after scandal, and The Thomas Group had publicly severed ties. Her reputation had plummeted.
Yet now, no one dared speak ill of her. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that there was something special between Elmer and Niamh.
So, the two officials took turns singing her praises.
When Elmer opened the package and revealed the real crown, a collective gasp swept through the room.
“Wow!”
“Now *that* is a crown fit for a queen!”
“Niamh’s got serious talent!”
“You can really see the difference—Marina’s design can’t even compare.”
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