Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 174

"If you'll just say yes, I'll pay you whatever you want!" Cicely sobbed as she clung desperately to Celestine's dress, shaking it for emphasis.

Celestine could hardly believe what she was hearing. The whole situation was absurd—like she'd stumbled into some bizarre scene out of a soap opera. Her head throbbed, as if a tank had just rolled over her.

Cicely's tears only grew more dramatic, her wailing taking on a particularly tragic tone.

"Miss Jenson." Celestine's headache worsened as she tried to get a word in. "Can you please stop crying for a second?"

Cicely cracked open one teary eye. "So you'll do it?"

Celestine shook her head quickly, rushing to explain before Cicely could start bawling again. "You've misunderstood. Mr. Prescott and I aren't… involved. We've met a few times. He's helped me out, but at most, we're just friends."

"Really?!" Cicely's relief was so intense it turned her sobs into tears of joy. So Vernon had lied to her—unbelievable!

"Really," Celestine confirmed, watching the tracks of tears run down Cicely's face. She fished a tissue from her pocket and handed it over.

Apparently, Gideon hadn't told Cicely about his marriage. Not surprising, really… but when she did find out, there'd surely be fireworks.

Cicely, practically bouncing with happiness, exclaimed, "Oh, thank goodness! You're not Giddy's girlfriend—I just knew I was lucky!"

Celestine managed a faint smile, but her thoughts turned to the painful truth she couldn't bring herself to reveal. She tried a gentle nudge, "Miss Jenson, what would you do if Mr. Prescott got married?"

Cicely didn't hesitate. "Oh, well, then the bride would have to be me! I'd be thrilled!"

It clearly never crossed her mind that Gideon might marry someone else.

Celestine hesitated, torn. She had no idea how to break the truth to her.

Instead, Cicely gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I watched the hotel security footage, you know. Giddy only startled you when he jumped down from the balcony to save you. I was too impulsive this afternoon, so don't take it to heart. Next time, lunch is on me."

With that, Cicely straightened her dress, perked up, and strutted away, her mood completely transformed.

"Uh… yes, sir!" Vernon forced a smile, biting back his real thoughts. Who asked you to share that, anyway?

Quickly changing the subject, he reported, "By the way, sir, Miss Jenson just went to see Miss Selwyn."

Gideon's expression darkened instantly. "What did she say? Did she lay a hand on her?"

Sensing his boss's rising agitation, Vernon hurried to reassure him. "No, no, Miss Selwyn handled it well. She explained your relationship clearly—and even wished you and Miss Jenson would be bound together for life."

That last part wasn't exactly what Celestine had said. It was more like a tiny curse Vernon had picked up today, courtesy of a certain someone's not-so-gentle swat.

Still, it had to be said—Celestine really was worthy of the young master's trust. Even when Cicely put on her best fake-crying act, Celestine never threw his name around or tried to lord her connection over anyone. If she'd been the scheming type, one word about a "special relationship" with the boss, and Cicely's claws would have come out in a heartbeat—no hesitation.

"Bound together for life?" Gideon's eyes narrowed, his tone chilling. "She certainly knows how to jinx people."