Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 98

The manager shrank back, voice trembling. "Boss, I understand everything, it's just…"

"Out with it."

"They're demanding a full refund, no repairs. If we refuse, they're threatening legal action—fraud charges, no less."

"Bang!" Lance slammed his hand on the desk, face flushing with anger. "The nerve! Trying to extort me? Who do they think they're dealing with?"

That very day, the usually reserved Lance posted a rare second update on Instagram.

**Lance:** Drama queens, schemers, and con artists—I don't do business with any of you.

The post sent shockwaves through the community.

Speculation exploded online.

Who on earth had pushed the famously easygoing designer this far?

**@StackedLayers:** Isn't Lance supposed to be Joanna's number one fan? Sounds like he's not anymore.

**@JoannaGloves:** Stop making things up! Joanna's the face of Zephyrus Atelier—Designer Blake said so himself. It can't be her. If you pay any attention, Zephyrus's latest collaborations were with Patton and Mirabelle!

**@66RoughPatch:** Patton's in his seventies. No way it's him, right?

**@TooLateNow:** Who is it, then? This is impossible to figure out!

As the rumors swirled, suspicion gradually shifted toward Mirabelle.

Still, Mirabelle's reputation for kindness and professionalism over the years meant plenty of friends came to her defense.

Later that evening, Mirabelle posted her own update.

**Mirabelle:** You never know how much it hurts until the needle pricks you.

The photo showed a single silver pin.

Lance recognized it instantly—it was one of the marking pins he used daily in the studio, always laid out by his own hand.

Damn it. Of all things, why that pin?

At that moment, Celestine, who'd been quietly standing by, finally spoke.

"The folks at Seabay are willing to lend Miss Remington a dress. Would you be interested?"

The room fell silent in shock.

"Seabay?"

No one had dared hope for that. Seabay had always reserved their gowns for their own exclusive ambassadors—never lending out pieces, period.

Mirabelle had just signed the contract to be their next brand ambassador, but it hadn't been announced yet, and she'd never dreamed the brand would step in to help.

Celestine herself hadn't expected much. She'd first asked her mentor if the company had any new, unsold gowns, but none were suitable.

Then she'd spotted a sample photo posted by Seabay's manager: a moonlit blue gown that would look perfect on Mirabelle. On a whim, she'd asked if they might lend it. To her surprise, they agreed immediately.

Celestine gave Mirabelle's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "There are a few alterations needed, but I can take care of them myself. Tomorrow, let's go see it together. Don't lose hope yet—things aren't over. There's still a chance."