Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 120

Chester spoke with utter seriousness. "Joanna gets cold easily, especially at night—her hands were freezing. She forgot her gloves, so I was just helping her out."

Gideon let out a sharp, dismissive snort.

His slow, assessing gaze made Joanna's scalp prickle with unease.

It was him! The man she'd seen at the hospital!

How could someone from the Prescott family possibly be Celestine's secret lover?

Joanna forced herself to stay calm, her lips curving into a polite smile. "That's right, Mr. Prescott, don't get the wrong idea. Chester's just looking out for me, it's not what you're thinking. We spotted Celly's silhouette by the door and thought she might be in trouble, so we rushed over."

She tugged on Chester's arm as she spoke. "Isn't that right, Chester?"

Chester only gave a nonchalant "Mm" in response.

Celestine could barely keep herself from rolling her eyes at their painfully awkward performance.

"By the way, Celly, the dress you designed for Mirabelle is absolutely gorgeous. I'm honestly a little jealous," Joanna said, trying to sound admiring, though her voice grew smaller with each word.

The envy in her eyes faded into a look of quiet dejection.

Chester noticed her shift in mood and sneered. "You're really jealous of that tacky design? If Lance can't help you, I could always find you someone better."

Joanna shook her head, her sweet, syrupy voice taking on a playful whine. "No, I really do love Celly's style. I want her to be my exclusive designer."

"Would you, Celly?" she asked, her big doe eyes full of eager anticipation.

Anyone not paying close attention might have thought she truly admired Celestine's work.

But every word was laced with poison and calculation.

Celestine's smile was cool and unbothered. "I'm not sure I'm worthy of that honor."

Chester was about to commend her humility when Celestine continued, "I'm only trained in design, not anything else."

The implication was clear: Joanna wasn't acting like a decent person.

Joanna's eyes immediately filled with tears.

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