Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 261

Zephyrus Atelier wasn’t hurting for money, but they just couldn’t swallow their pride this time.

As soon as Mr. Blake gave the nod, the team leader rushed to sign up the entire design crew for the competition.

Of the six designers, three made it to the next round.

Meanwhile, Kismet Collective hadn’t even managed to get one name on the shortlist.

And yet, here they were, still daring to question the lead judge from The Prescott Group.

Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.

“Miss Lennox, if I were you, I’d take my clueless staff and head back to Kismet Collective before things get any uglier. Otherwise, when the embarrassment hits, it won’t just be her reputation on the line.”

The Zephyrus Atelier director couldn’t resist another jab.

Crystal Lennox was seething, but she knew Celestine Selwyn’s talent was her ace in the hole. There was nothing wrong with her work—she’d stake her own name on it.

“So go ahead, just wait and see.”

The Zephyrus director burst out laughing. “Wait and see? Is that supposed to scare me? Sorry, but you’ll have to try harder.”

Carmen couldn’t help joining in. “With Miss Selwyn’s so-called talent, even if she makes the cut, she’ll be out in the first round. Why bother humiliating yourself against the real pros here?”

She’d let her guard down earlier and given Celestine an opening, but now that she had the chance to kick her when she was down, she wasn’t about to pass it up.

“Finished?” Celestine listened quietly until Carmen ran out of steam, then spoke in a calm, even voice.

Carmen tilted her chin, smug. “What, can’t handle the truth?”

“Carmen, is that mouth of yours good for anything besides eating and spouting nonsense?” Crystal Lennox finally snapped.

She’d had no issue with Carmen leaving after years with Kismet Collective—people move on, that’s life.

But this constant antagonism, each time worse than the last, was beyond the pale. That kind of jealousy wasn’t normal anymore.

Carmen’s face twisted in anger. “Of course you’ll always take her side! Let’s see how long you can keep protecting her. Wait until Kismet Collective goes under because of your precious Celestine—then see who’s crying!”

Back when Celestine wasn’t with Kismet Collective, Carmen had often heard Crystal sing her praises. As if there was anything special about a housewife who’d married well! What was there to miss?

Crystal never appreciated the people right in front of her. Carmen had worked herself to the bone for five, six years at Kismet Collective and got nothing in return…

Well, she’d make sure Crystal Lennox regretted ever choosing Celestine as chief designer.