Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 217

If Grandpa’s health was really so fragile, would she still be so reckless, coming and going as she pleased without a care in the world?

Chester was clearly annoyed.

But after everything that happened today, he decided to let her have her way—for now.

***

Meanwhile, Celestine returned to the hotel.

She explained the whole story of her disappearance to her grandfather and to Pete Selwyn, but left out the darkest details, afraid it would only distress her grandfather even further.

Pete was beside himself with anger.

“I knew Chester was a snake! The things he does behind people’s backs—what a piece of work. If I’d known, I would’ve kicked him where it counts that day! Let’s see how tough he acts hanging on the wall after that!”

Luther let out a heavy sigh, worry etched into his face as he looked at his grandchildren.

“Pete, don’t lose your head. Let’s follow Celly’s lead on this and not make things harder for her.”

It wasn’t just Chester’s actions that cut deep; the Fordham family’s attitude was equally chilling.

They must have known Celia lured Celestine to that deserted place, yet none of them said a word. Even when he asked directly how Celestine ended up there, they dodged the question and gave him vague answers about her whereabouts.

Celly had suffered enough injustices.

He was determined—no matter his own pride—that her life from here on out would be a better one.

Celestine poured water for both men.

“I’ve been gathering proof of Chester’s cheating all along. Don’t worry—if the Fordham family tries anything shady behind my back, I won’t be caught unprepared.”

Pete accepted the glass, his voice fierce:

“Good. If they ever try to mess with you again, you call me right away! Call the house!”

Celestine offered a gentle smile.

“I promise.”

Luther’s health had been failing.

Both women ran up and wrapped her in a hug.

Celestine opened her arms, breathing in the subtle scent of their perfumes—familiar, comforting.

“You scared me half to death! Do you know how worried I was?” Crystal Lennox’s voice was thick with emotion. “Honestly, we were about to fly to Portside City to attend your funeral…” Her words caught in her throat.

She’d been ready to leave when Celestine called, and her emotions had been a tangled mess. But in the end—thank goodness.

“As long as you’re alive, everything else can start over.”

Hearing Crystal’s heartfelt words, Celestine was moved too.

In her memory, Crystal had always been strong—tough on the outside, soft on the inside. She rarely let her vulnerability show.

It meant the world to Celestine that Crystal was genuinely glad she was safe.

She took a steadying breath and turned to the other woman still hugging her.

“Mirabelle, weren’t you supposed to be at the film festival today? How did you end up here?”