Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 9

At the sound of her name, Celestine looked up, her lashes fluttering as she studied the artwork on display.

Crystal Lennox arched a brow and said, "The Prescott Group has been pouring resources into developing a fresh, modern Western design line these past two years—from jewelry to fashion. That's your specialty, Celly. Come back."

Celestine knew all about the Prescott Group. Their rapid rise in the business world, especially in manufacturing and design, was the talk of the city.

Their head, Lucian Prescott, was young but already infamous for his ruthless ambition and sharp vision.

It didn't surprise Celestine that Crystal wanted to team up with the Prescotts and carve out a niche in modern Western design.

But… could she really go back?

She was still lost in thought when Serena's brisk, haughty voice rang out from nearby.

"Celestine? Shouldn't you be looking after Mom? What are you doing here?"

Serena was Chester's younger sister—and a golden girl at Capital University.

Ever since Celestine had married into the Fordham family, Serena had treated her with little more than cold indifference.

She'd always looked down on women like Celestine—those who, in her eyes, relied on their husbands, played house, and accomplished nothing of real worth.

Celestine hadn't expected to run into Serena here, of all places. She didn't bother to explain much. "Just having a look around."

"The pieces here have real artistic value. Even the simplest design would be wasted on you. My brother and Celia are coming back soon—you'd do better to focus on them," Serena replied icily.

From Serena's perspective, Celestine might have had an impressive degree and a knack for design before marrying into the Fordhams, but at the end of the day, she was a nobody.

Women who only knew how to depend on men—what real abilities could they possibly have?

Celestine stood frozen, her thoughts spinning.

Chester was coming back?

Her fingers curled slightly, a sour ache flickering through her chest.

They were heading for divorce, true, but for him to return with the children—without so much as telling her in advance—it was clear how little she meant to him now, the former Mrs. Fordham.

Serena clearly didn't see any reason to keep talking. She started to leave, but then remembered something her mother had been craving for ages.

"And while you're at it, make some of that whitebait for Mom, will you? It's not like you're busy, and your cooking's at least passable."

The order slipped out as carelessly as ever.

In the past, Celestine would have agreed without hesitation. Back then, eager for the Fordham family's approval, she'd done anything they asked—no matter how complicated the request, if Dahlia wanted it, Celestine made it happen.

But now? She just didn't care anymore.

"Sorry, I have things to do. Ask the cook to take care of it," she replied calmly.

Serena's brows shot together, annoyance flickering in her eyes.

This was the first time Celestine had ever refused her.

Busy? What on earth could Celestine possibly be busy with?

But this time, since coming back, Celestine hadn't visited the old house even once.

Chester barely registered the complaints, soothing his mother instead. "I'll hire a few more staff for you, it'll be the same."

"The same?" Dahlia frowned, clearly dissatisfied.

How could it possibly be the same? Celestine's only real skill was fussing over others, and now she couldn't even be bothered to care for her own mother-in-law.

Still, Dahlia swallowed her frustration and nodded, unwilling to hurt her son's feelings.

After that, the group returned to the main house.

As the housekeeper had said, Celestine had taken all her belongings. Even the children's rooms, which she used to decorate so warmly, now felt cold and empty.

Chester barely noticed.

Let Celestine sulk if she wanted to. Did she actually expect him to beg her to come back?

Raymond, however, looked downcast. He hadn't seen his mother in so long.

Was Mom angry? After Celia had blocked her number, Mom hadn't even tried to call from a new one.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed Celia tugging eagerly at Joanna's hand as she pleaded with Chester.

"Daddy, can Miss Joanna stay in Mom's old room? She needs sunlight, and that's the brightest room in the house now that Mom's gone."

Aside from the master bedroom and the kids' rooms, only the guest room—Celestine's old room—had enough sunlight.