His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 861

Preston was now managing the Grand Riverview Hotel. Tonight, he was hosting a welcome-back banquet for Jonathan and Niamh in the hotel's largest ballroom, the Jade Ballroom. Niamh initially thought the banquet was unnecessary, especially since she would likely have to return to Coralis soon to handle matters at The Quinn Group. But Preston had been insistent, telling her the banquet was also a celebration of her "return from the dead."

The phrase made Niamh not know whether to laugh or cry. She hadn't actually died, after all. Still, it was a heartfelt gesture from Preston, so after some thought, Niamh couldn't bring herself to refuse. A space-gray Koenigsegg pulled up to the main entrance of the Grand Riverview Hotel, and Niamh and Jonathan stepped out of the car together.

Tonight, Niamh wore a very conservative, long-sleeved, floor-length gown. She was dressed this way because Jonathan believed that if Joker was indeed terminally ill, he would be desperate and wouldn't miss any opportunity to assassinate her. That's why he had insisted she wear a bulletproof vest. In his view, the welcome banquet Preston had arranged was the perfect chance for Joker to strike.

The Jade Ballroom at the Grand Riverview could easily be targeted by a sniper from the roof of the twin hotel across the street. Jonathan had already positioned bodyguards, but he couldn't use too many, or their presence would be obvious. He and Niamh had come to the banquet for the express purpose of luring Joker out.

Originally, Jonathan had only prepared a vest for Niamh. But she, fearing Joker might target him as well, insisted he wear one too. "I didn't realize you cared so much about me." "I'd be this concerned for anyone," Niamh insisted. Jonathan smiled faintly. "That doesn't matter. The point is, right now, you're concerned about me." Niamh didn't bother arguing. As long as he wore the vest, that was all that mattered. With that settled, they entered the Jade Ballroom.

"Niamh!" As the host, Preston’s eyes lit up the moment he saw her. He rushed over, his steps quick and energetic, and pulled her into a tight hug. "You're really alive!" Preston's words made Niamh want to retort. "I was never dead to begin with!" "Then why on earth did you fake your death? You scared me half to death." Preston released her, clutching his chest in a show of mock terror.

The real reason he let go, however, was his fear that Jonathan, standing right beside her, might actually hit him. Although Jonathan knew perfectly well that Preston posed no threat, he couldn't stand seeing another man touch Niamh. Feeling a chill emanating from Jonathan that seemed to seep into his very pores, Preston shivered involuntarily. "Jonathan, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just... seeing Niamh after so long, I got a little carried away..."

Preston explained, leaning in to whisper in Jonathan's ear, "The look on your face right now... it's like you want to eat me alive." Hearing this, Jonathan's lips curled into a smirk. "How about now?" Goosebumps erupted all over Preston's skin. "That's even creepier when you smile." Niamh couldn't help but laugh at the exchange between them.

As she glanced around, she noticed that Preston had invited quite a few familiar faces to the banquet. "Peter!" Niamh waved and walked toward him. The moment Peter saw her, his eyes immediately reddened.