Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 112

Celestine broke into a run, aiming for the main hall—only to be stopped short at the entrance. She didn't have a staff pass.

She stared at the security guard, on the verge of tears. For a second, it seemed almost plausible that Chester had sent Joanna just to sabotage her.

She pulled out her phone, intending to text Denton for help, but Mirabelle's messages popped up first—several of them, in rapid succession.

"Did you find it, Celly?"

"Oh no! They're checking passes at the door, are you stuck outside???"

"Denton says he can't find you. Where are you, Celly?"

"If you really can't get in, it's okay. I have to go onstage soon, there's no time. Text me back when you see this."

Celestine covered her face, groaning in frustration. Her phone had been on silent—she'd missed every message.

"Come on."

She looked up, startled. Gideon was already striding into the VIP entrance, met by a host of deferential staff.

"I don't have a pass. Is that okay?" she asked uncertainly.

Gideon glanced at the event manager by his side. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all! Any friend of Mr. Prescott's is our honored guest," the manager blurted out, practically bowing.

So, just like that, Celestine followed Gideon up to the second-floor inner circle.

The awards ceremony had already begun. Every celebrity was in their seat.

Her gaze fell, immediately, on the center of the front row—Joanna. As expected, she was draped in the legendary diamond-studded gown. The dress was dazzling, but on Joanna's delicate features, it looked forced, like she was struggling to embody the elegance the gown demanded.

Still… Celestine couldn't shake the feeling she'd seen her somewhere before.

She checked her phone—social media was blowing up with news about Joanna's dress. Fan wars were erupting everywhere.

Mirabelle's dress, though beautiful, looked understated next to Joanna's ostentatious display. Mirabelle kept to herself, ignoring both Joanna's barbed comments and her attempts at friendly gestures.

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