Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 66

Carmen seized the moment. "Sir, our Miss Selwyn has high ambitions; she's not interested in things like this. Please, don't let her upset you. If you need a reliable house manager, I could fill the role."

A cold, mocking smile flickered across Celestine's lips.

Without a word, she took a discreet step back, making space for Carmen.

Carmen took the cue, straightened her shoulders, and stepped forward, her meaning unmistakable. "Sir, what do you think of me?"

She batted her lashes, her voice syrupy sweet, practically oozing with flirtation.

After years of slogging away in the design industry for little reward, Carmen figured it was time to aim higher—a wealthy, powerful man could change her life overnight.

And this man could drop half a billion in an instant.

She knew this was her best shot.

Chester's gaze followed Celestine's retreating figure, his expression turning thunderous. "Who do you think you are? Get lost."

Carmen bit her lip, refusing to give up. "If she can do it, so can I. If she won't, I will—anything you want."

Her intentions couldn't be more blatant.

Any normal man would have caved.

But Chester recoiled in disgust, dodging her attempt to touch him. His voice was icy. "Now I'm starting to wonder what standards your agency uses to hire people. Honestly, I'm concerned about my wife working in that environment."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode to his car without a backward glance.

Carmen stood rooted to the spot, as if struck by lightning.

His wife?

Celestine… was actually his wife?

A surge of jealousy and resentment burned in Carmen's chest.

Why did that woman get all the luck?

…

Meanwhile, Celestine had just gotten home when her phone rang—it was her grandfather.

In recent years, his health had kept him from painting much. For Alistair's birthday in the past, he'd send some appropriate gift, but never a personal painting.

She could hear the concern in his voice. He wanted to help her make a good impression, to ensure the Fordham family wouldn't look down on her.

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

She managed to keep her composure until her grandfather insisted she go eat, and then she finally hung up.

Celestine washed her hands and cooked herself a proper dinner.

She'd barely finished eating when a message from Pete popped up.

[Pete]: Damn! Are the media blind or what?

[Pete]: [Link: Shocking! Rumor has it Mr. Fordham has found love outside his marriage! Miss Sinclair in tears on set!]

Celestine's heart skipped a beat. An uneasy feeling crept over her.

She clicked the link and saw candid photos of herself and Chester, snapped outside the office earlier that day.