Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 243

The head of the building management turned pale at the scene.

He strode straight over to Celestine and Gideon, bowing deeply. “Miss Selwyn, Mr. Prescott, we’re terribly sorry. It was our negligence that allowed these three to slip in through the back entrance by following another resident. We’ve already called the police. Please check your apartment for any damage or missing items. We promise to step up security from now on!”

Celestine gave a small nod and set down the fire extinguisher.

She’d pulled the emergency alarm as soon as she’d entered.

Perfect timing.

The manager let out a silent sigh of relief.

Then he turned, face stern, to the three uninvited guests. “Do you want me to escort you out, or will you leave on your own?”

The agent panicked. “There’s been a misunderstanding! I can vouch for them—really, I’m not a criminal!”

Paula’s wailing came to an abrupt stop. “My husband’s already been beaten up—what more do you want from us?!”

The manager shot a look at the security guards.

Without hesitation, they dragged the couple out like sacks of potatoes.

The police arrived soon after.

By now, the three intruders looked utterly shell-shocked.

In the police station’s mediation room, Paula was nearly hysterical. “My husband and I work odd jobs on a film crew. We heard this place was for rent and just wanted to take a look. We’re not criminals! That man—he crippled my husband! Can’t you see?!”

Celestine’s brow furrowed. “Which film crew?”

“What’s it to you, you bitch?” Paula snapped.

A sharp rebuke from a police officer cut her off.

She shrank back, muttering, “Luminous Drifters.”

Luminous Drifters.

Joanna’s newest project, just announced not long ago.

Understanding dawned in Celestine’s eyes.

So that was it.

Paula, still unwilling to give up, protested, “My husband’s been hurt! Shouldn’t you pay us something? Can’t we just call it even?”

Celestine was genuinely astounded by her shamelessness.

Across the table, Gideon—looking tired, his gray eyes sharp as ice—finally spoke, his tone lazy but cold: “Sorry, but you broke in and tried to attack the owner. That’s called self-defense.”

Paula went white as a sheet.

She looked at the police, desperate.

“That’s correct,” the officer confirmed. “It was self-defense.”

“You’re all in this together! This is bullying! I can’t take this anymore!” Paula shrieked, dissolving into a fresh fit of wailing and thrashing.

Carr scowled. “It’s just a stupid apartment! Who even wants it? Five hundred bucks should cover everything. When I’m out, you’ll never rent that place out again!”

Celestine’s lips twitched.

She was about to reply when Gideon, legs draped over the side of his chair, suddenly stilled. In his lazy drawl, he cut in, “Who says? I’ll rent it.”