Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 87

Her gaze, however, stayed locked on the little girl clinging to her mother.

Suddenly, Cynthia let out a pitiful "Ouch!" as she grabbed her ankle. She leaned into Celestine, wrapping her arms around her.

"Miss Angel, my foot really hurts…"

"What is it, Cynthia? Did you get a cramp? Why does it hurt all of a sudden?"

Celestine's tone shifted instantly from calm indifference to anxious concern.

She gently scooped Cynthia up into her arms, as if afraid to cause her even the slightest pain.

Watching this, Celia's eyes stung, as though she'd gotten dust in them.

It had been so long since her mother held her like that…

Why did this brat get to steal her mom's affection?

"I'm okay, Miss Angel, I just can't walk anymore. Could you carry me for a little while?"

Cynthia snuggled against Celestine's shoulder, acting cute and helpless. Over Celestine's back, she even shot a triumphant face at Celia.

"Of course, sweetheart," Celestine replied, completely oblivious to Cynthia's act.

She didn't criticize Cynthia for being spoiled at all.

Cynthia gleefully nuzzled Celestine's neck, then kissed her softly. "Miss Angel, you're so good to me."

Celia couldn't hold it in any longer.

She rushed up to stand in front of Celestine, pointing an accusing finger at Cynthia. "Mom, she's faking! Can't you see that?"

Celestine lifted her gaze, her tone even. "Yes, I see it. And?"

Celia hadn't expected her mother to respond like that.

A surge of indescribable hurt welled up in her chest.

"She's manipulative! You should stay away from her!"

Celestine watched Celia dart into an apartment building across the street, guessing it was probably the one Chester had bought for Joanna.

Her heart, which had only just begun to calm, was once again unsettled.

She collected herself and turned to the uncle and nephew. "I haven't been strict enough with my daughter, but she'll be living with her father from now on. I doubt something like this will happen again."

"You're getting divorced?" Gideon caught the key point immediately.

"Yes, we're separated right now. Once the legal waiting period is over, I'll file the papers."

Gideon quickly masked the hint of delight in his eyes and cleared his throat. "I happen to know an excellent divorce lawyer. Miss Selwyn, if you need help, I can introduce you. He has a hundred percent success rate."

Celestine perked up at that.

A lawyer with a perfect record had to be truly exceptional.

But then she paused. Gideon wasn't even married—how did he know a divorce lawyer?

Could it be…he once had a secret wife, a hidden marriage no one knew about?