His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 441

After the president of the charity foundation stepped down from the stage, only Niamh and the host remained under the bright lights.

The host picked up the microphone once more and announced, “Now, please welcome our award presenter… Mr. Jonathan Thomas, CEO of The Thomas Group.”

Jonathan rose from his seat with calm composure. The same couldn’t be said for Sprague and Marigold, seated right beside him. Both looked visibly unsettled.

Neither of them had heard there would be an awards segment at tonight’s charity auction, let alone that Jonathan would be the one presenting it.

At a nearby table, Prince William’s face had gone ashen. He shot the host a sharp look, silently demanding to know why the program was suddenly off-script. As a co-host and the evening’s main patron, he was supposed to be the one presenting the award.

The host could only force a nervous smile. He was just an employee—he had no idea why the presenter had been switched at the last minute.

Jonathan stepped onto the stage, accepted the certificate from an usher, and handed it to Niamh.

Under the stage lights, his sharply defined features were cast in striking relief, but Niamh couldn’t read a single thought on Jonathan’s face. All she saw was the faint, charming curve of his smile.

“Congratulations,” he said.

“…Thank you.”

Niamh cradled the honorary certificate in one arm and reached out with the other to shake Jonathan’s hand. That was the standard procedure at events like this, and it didn’t strike her as odd—after all, Jonathan had offered his hand first.

Their hands met.

Jonathan’s palm was cool to the touch.

As soon as the handshake should have ended, Niamh tried to withdraw her hand. But Jonathan didn’t let go.

She blinked, surprised, and gave a slight tug to free herself. Jonathan only tightened his grip.

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