Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 158

Celestine paid no mind to Serena's biting sarcasm.

But Chester couldn't just sit by and watch.

If she kept humiliating herself like this, the Fordham family would soon become the laughingstock of Portside's high society.

"That's enough. If you want to show Grandpa your gifts, do it in private. Don't make a scene and ruin the mood for our guests."

"Chester, watch your tone! She's your wife," Alistair snapped.

Celestine pressed her lips together and motioned to a servant. "Turn on the projector."

Her request only piqued everyone's curiosity further.

What kind of gift required a public presentation?

Had she splurged on some flashy new gadget again?

Alistair, for his part, wasn't angry about the earlier incident with the supposed forgery.

Mr. Selwyn's painting had already been brought over.

Celestine was young—mistakes in judgment were understandable at her age.

But now it was her second gift that truly captured his interest.

Gentle, melodic music drifted from the speakers.

Within moments, the screen flickered to life.

Luther appeared onscreen.

"Hey, Fordham kid! Long time no see. Celly invited me to record a birthday message for you…"

Then came a greeting from Master Calligrapher Vincent Crowley.

"Alistair, wishing you a wonderful birthday."

After that, Rain Lennox, a leading figure in contemporary realism, offered his congratulations.

"Happy birthday to you."

The final guest left the entire room stunned.

"Mr. Caffrey! That was actually Mr. Caffrey himself!"

An excited gasp rippled through the crowd.

Elena, trying to regain her composure, muttered, "Who knows if that was real? Maybe it was just a digital fake!"

"Oh please," someone scoffed, "Didn't you claim your family owned one of his paintings? Don't you even know what he looks like?"

Mocking laughter followed.

Alistair stared at the screen in disbelief.

"Celly, what's going on with that painting? Did Mr. Caffrey know your grandfather?"

After all, Mr. Selwyn was well-known not just in this country, but internationally as well. If he had overseas connections, it made sense.

Celestine smiled slightly. "Years ago, when I was still in school, I came across an elderly man who'd fallen near the train station. He was a foreigner, didn't even speak English. I helped him contact his embassy—and only later learned he was Mr. Caffrey."