Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 69

"Joanna, you're just too kind sometimes," Chester said, his expression tangled with conflicting emotions.

Even when it came to complete strangers, she was always so considerate, always worried about them.

And yet, there was that woman—the one who couldn't even be bothered to care about her own child…

The thought soured Chester's mood. He sighed. "Forget it. Since you're not pressing charges, let's just drop it."

He turned to Stein. "Have someone bury those trending topics online, but don't go overboard."

He didn't mention the idea of announcing his marriage to Celestine again.

If she herself wasn't willing to clarify their relationship, then he had no reason to stick his neck out for her.

After all, this whole mess had started because of her choices.

If she'd just accepted her place as Mrs. Fordham, none of this would've happened.

Joanna tentatively asked, "Chester, what about Celly? Should I post something on Instagram to clear things up for her?"

Chester let out a cold laugh. "No need. Let her deal with the consequences this time. Let her understand—outside the Fordham family, not everyone's going to protect her."

Relief washed over Joanna's face, and for a split second, a smug glint flashed in her eyes.

Celestine, your man will never stand up for you again.

Everything you have—I'll take it away, piece by piece.

This time, I'll make sure you're utterly ruined.

Overnight, Celestine learned the true meaning of "kicking someone when they're down."

Even people she hadn't spoken to in years—old classmates she barely remembered—were now "exposing" her online.

[Back in college, Celestine was always dating two guys at once. She's seriously manipulative. Miss Sinclair's fans, don't worry—I swear on my twenty-plus years of singlehood, Mr. Fordham would never go for a woman like her.]

Celestine was at a loss for words.

"Trying to steal our girl's boyfriend? Take a look in the mirror first!"

They were organized, faces hidden behind masks and caps.

Celestine shielded her face and pulled out her phone, hitting record and aiming the camera at them. "Go ahead, keep going. If you're adults, be ready to face the consequences. If you're underage, I'll make sure your parents hear all about this."

They just laughed. "Wow, you're threatening us now? Who do you think you are?"

"Nice phone—bet you got it sleeping with some old man! Still got the nerve to run your mouth? Hey guys, let's smash her phone!"

The mob showed no fear—in fact, they got bolder, closing in on Celestine.

She took several steps back and pressed the panic button at the security booth by the gate. Instantly, an alarm blared.

Seconds later, more than a dozen security guards in black uniforms burst out of the booth, weapons raised.

"You at the gate—what do you think you're doing?"