Chapter 52
The next day arrived in a flash. A black heavy–duty motorcycle roared down the street, drawing the attention of pedestrians.
Niamh pulled to a stop.
Sitting in front of her, dressed in a black denim coat and wearing a matching black helmet, was a small figure.
She lifted her visor with a smirk. “Elara, need a hand?”
Once again, she had brought Beau to Finnegan’s gym. Just as they arrived, she spotted Elara coming down the stairs carrying two large bags of trash.
Elara was dressed simply in a beige sweatshirt, with her sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her hair was tied back in a casual ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her beautiful face.
The small figure in front of Niamh called out in annoyance ‘Why are you even talking to her?”
It was Beau. Seeing Elara like this made him feel embarrassed.
Niamh’s eyes gleamed with amusement. She had come specifically to see Elara in a sorry state.
Then, she spotted Bambi carrying a box of bottled water down the stairs. The little girl’s arms were strong and steady.
At the same time, Finnegan and the moving company workers were coming out of the elevator, hauling heavy gym equipment onto a moving truck.
Harvey had paid three times the asking price to buy out the gym’s rental space from the landlord. He had then ordered the landlord to have Finnegan clear out the place within a day.
Watching this unfold, Niamh found it utterly entertaining. “Elara, don’t you think you’re a walking disaster?
“If you hadn’t come looking for your dear brother, he wouldn’t have been dragged down with you. Now his gym’s shut down thanks to you.”
Elara tossed the trash bags into the dumpster and shot back coolly, “Niamh, if you’ve got issues, stop bringing them to me–I’m not a vet.”
What Niamh and Harvey didn’t know was that the landlord who owned the entire five–story commercial building behind them was none other than Finnegan.
After buying the property, he had divided the floors among several secondary landlords for easier management.
Previously, he had rented the gym space from a landlord whose wife was terminally ill, helping the man out in a tough time. Now, that same landlord had returned the favor–paying Finnegan triple the rent Harvey had given
him.
Hearing Niamh’s snide remarks, Finnegan strode toward her, his imposing presence casting a heavy shadow over her. Even before he got close, his sheer aura made Niamh’s skin prickle.
Even Beau, who was still wearing his helmet, shifted uncomfortably.
“Go tell Harvey Fisher I’m not going down that easily! I’ve already started negotiations with the landlords at Bayview Plaza and StarGlitz Mall. If he’s got the guts, let him offer an even better price to keep them from renting to me!”
Behind him, Elara struggled to hold back a laugh.
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Both of those locations were also owned by Finnegan. He would love nothing more than for Harvey to throw more money his way.
Niamh seethed inside. She would make sure Harvey bought up every available space in those malls!
But standing in front of Finnegan, she couldn’t hide her intimidation. Her voice came out hoarse.
“Mr. Lloyd, no one wants to go against you. But Elara keeps provoking Harvey. If you cut ties with her, you could live a much easier life in Capitol.”
Beau clung to Niamh’s jacket, tugging impatiently. “Let’s go! Stop talking to them!”
Finnegan’s presence was suffocating. Even with his helmet on, Beau felt the weight of it. But the thought of taking it off and facing Finnegan directly? Not a chance.
Niamh turned to Elara, and asked Beau, “Aren’t you going to say hello to your mommy?”
“Yuck!” Beau grimaced. He could smell the trash even from a distance.
Hearing Beau’s disgusted tone, Finnegan’s fist clenched.
“I don’t want a stinky Mommy! I just want Niamh! Niamh, let’s go for a ride! It reeks here!”
“You little brat!” Finnegan growled.
Beau flinched and immediately burrowed into Niamh’s arms.
“Finnegan Lloyd! If you lay a finger on Beau, Harvey will have you run out of Capitol!” Niamh, emboldened by Harvey’s name, snapped back at him. It was an exhilarating feeling for her.
Then she turned to Elara and added, “If I’m not mistaken, today is the last day of your divorce cooling–off period. After Harvey officially divorces you, he’ll still be the most eligible bachelor in Capitol. And you…”
Her gaze swept Elara from head to toe, eyes filled with disdain.
“You still haven’t found a decent job. Our parents never should have taken you back. A leech like you belongs in the gutter! Now goodbye, my pathetic, miserable sister!”
Beau also echoed her silently in his heart. “Goodbye, my pretentious, fake mother.”
Niamh’s mocking voice was drowned out by the roaring engine of her motorcycle as she turned to leave. She revved up and made a sharp U–turn.
Suddenly–a car came barreling toward them! Niamh swerved in panic, and her motorcycle slammed into the roadside barrier.
Beau, who was seated in front of her, was flung straight into the air.
