Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 175

He ordered Vernon to repeat every word of the recent conversation between the two, leaving nothing out.

When Vernon mentioned that Celestine had asked, "What if he's already married?" Gideon's gray eyes narrowed, half-closed in thought.

This was the second time today he'd heard Celestine bring up the idea that he might be married.

What exactly was going through her mind? Was she just imagining things—or had she misunderstood something?

Gideon's lips curled into a sudden, inexplicable smile.

Vernon, already nervous, nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight.

This is it, he thought, panic rising. Have I been too honest? Is this how I get silenced? After all, none of Miss Selwyn's words sounded remotely like she had any feelings for the young master.

"That's enough, I've heard enough," Gideon said at last, leaning back in his chair and abruptly shifting the topic. "Where are we with the Fordham family project?"

Relieved to return to familiar territory, Vernon exhaled quietly. "Sir, the Fordhams are currently negotiating a partnership with Luminance Shipworks. The contract should be finalized soon."

"Luminance?" Gideon's gaze sharpened. "That's the branch my aunt's husband oversees, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Good. Call my aunt in a bit—tell her her favorite nephew misses her."

Gideon's tone was utterly flat.

Yet hearing such words from him sent a chill straight down Vernon's spine.

Here we go, he thought. The young master is about to start playing his games again.

——

Recently, the Fordham family had been pouring resources into a new maritime shipping investment.

Once their deal with Luminance Shipworks went through, the costs of running their luxury cruise liners would be at least halved.

He hurled his teacup, shattering it at Chester's knees.

Chester knelt, back ramrod straight, lips pressed into a thin line. "You're right, Grandfather. I accept your reprimand."

"Ha! I've lectured you a thousand times, and nothing ever gets through! Do you have any idea how much revenue this lost project will cost us? Will you ever let me rest easy? You used to be the child I worried for the least—do you remember that?"

Alistair was so enraged he could barely catch his breath. The people around him hurried over in concern.

He waved them away and pulled a pill from his pocket, swallowing it dry.

For the first time, Chester's stoic expression cracked. "Grandfather…"

When he was younger, Chester had never been the favored child of the Fordham family. But Alistair had always been his idol, his guiding star—unyielding, decisive, always out of reach. It was Alistair who saw potential in him, who fought against all opposition to lift him up. Even now, sitting in this position, it still didn't feel quite real.

"If you want this old man to live a few more years, stop dragging me into these messes. And cut it out with that little actress! No more entanglements, you hear me?"