Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 122

Chester hadn't expected Gideon to speak up for Celestine at a moment like this.

Shock and humiliation crashed over him.

Was his obsession with Celestine really that obvious—even to Gideon?

Yet when it came down to it, Chester couldn't muster a single word in protest.

The two of them walked side by side into the apartment building, perfectly in sync. If you didn't know better, you'd think they made a striking couple.

The thought startled Chester so much that he nearly lost his grip on reality.

"Celestine, I'm not dead yet!" he spat out, voice tight with resentment. "Are you really going to cheat on me right in front of my face?"

Celestine stopped in her tracks, her tone icy and sharp. "What's wrong with you? He's my neighbor—lives right across the hall. Just because you're a cheater doesn't mean everyone else is as filthy as you."

Before Chester could retort, the elevator doors slid open and an elderly lady stepped out, walking her dog. She greeted them both with a warm smile.

"Gideon, it's been ages! Your grandfather talks about you all the time—he'll be over the moon to know you're back."

She turned to Celestine. "Celly, that soup recipe you gave me was wonderful. Tomorrow I'll make a pot and bring it over for you to try, how does that sound?"

Chester stood frozen, stunned.

Had he completely misunderstood them?

After saying goodbye to the old lady, Gideon spoke first this time. "By the way, I heard Mr. Fordham's branch over in Portside is looking to partner with us. I was considering it, but seeing how fickle Mr. Fordham is, I think it's best we pass. I'll make sure the board rejects the offer."

Chester felt another blow land—this one much deeper.

He knew the Portside branch was under his father's management lately, but no one had mentioned this deal to him. Gideon's words were a slap in the face, a public blow to his competence.

Celestine watched Chester for a moment and saw, for the first time, genuine pain flicker across his face.

So that was it. Only when something precious—something substantial—was at stake did he finally show any real suffering.

A sudden clarity dawned on her.

Without a word, she headed into her apartment.

By the time Gideon realized she was gone, she was already in the elevator.

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