Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 134

"Stop right there!"

"What on earth do you think you're doing?!"

Two urgent male voices rang out in unison.

A pair of tall figures burst through the doorway, one right after the other.

Jade froze, her hand suspended mid-air.

She was met with two all-too-familiar faces.

Pete's voice thundered, "Jade, you have some nerve! You dare raise a hand against Grandpa's favorite granddaughter right here in his house? Are you tired of living, or just stupid?"

At Pete's words, the two maids standing nearby nearly jumped out of their skins.

Ever since Celestine got married, her visits to the old family home had become rare.

Grandpa seldom called her back, but Pete Selwyn—eldest son of the main branch—was a frequent guest.

His outburst only confirmed Celestine's special place in Grandpa's heart.

The maids hurriedly released Celestine.

Jade's lips parted, but when her gaze fell on the unexpected guest at Pete's side—Chester—she swallowed her retort.

Smack!

A sharp, resounding slap echoed in the room, leaving Jade's right cheek burning.

She pressed a trembling hand to her face, her eyes blazing with hatred. "Celestine! How dare you hit me? In front of everyone—how dare you!"

Celestine's lips curled with a cold, mocking smile as she shook out her stinging hand.

Jade recoiled, misreading the gesture, and darted behind Murdock for protection.

"You little brat! I can't control you anymore, but your husband's right here—do you really think you can get away with anything?" Murdock's voice trembled with fury.

Chester took in the chaotic scene, his frown deepening. "When did it become any of your business to discipline my wife?"

Did they really think they could lord it over Celestine the moment he was gone? What a farce.

This woman only ever dared to show her claws in front of him!

He didn't even want to imagine what would have happened if he hadn't shown up today.

"Wow, brother-in-law, you really dote on my sister. I suppose even if she had another man out there, you'd still forgive her, wouldn't you?" Jade spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Why was Celestine—an orphan—so lucky? She got everything she wanted.

Her husband loved her to the core!

Edna pinched Jade's arm in warning.

Idiot—if you're going to say something, at least wait until Chester transfers the restaurant!

Chester's expression turned thunderous.

He'd just had a fight with Celestine over this very thing!

"Uncle Murdock, what's your stepdaughter trying to say? If you can't teach her some manners, I'd be happy to send someone who can."

Murdock rushed to apologize. "Chester, Edna's still young and doesn't know any better. Please don't take it to heart."