Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 131

After her parents passed away, except for the brief period living with Uncle Murdock, she spent nearly all her days in the old manor with her grandfather.

He was the only one in this world who loved her selflessly, without expecting anything in return.

Her usual joys were painting and occasionally craving pastries from Southern Cross Patisserie.

But with age came the need to watch his sugar intake, so sweets were strictly limited.

Only when Celestine visited would she bring him a box from Southern Cross Patisserie.

But she had to get there early—the patisserie only made a limited batch each day, and if you arrived late, you'd find the shelves empty.

That morning, Celestine left at dawn. By the time she arrived, only a few pastries were left.

Without hesitation, she said, "I'll take everything that's left, please."

As the staff began packing up her order, a dismayed female voice rang out behind her.

"What? They're all gone? Not even one left? I took the earliest flight home for this—don't tell me you're lying!" The woman sounded on the verge of disbelief. "Let me just peek into the kitchen—just a look, I promise! If there really aren't any left, I'll go! Please, I've flown thousands of miles, I just wanted to taste the honey cakes!"

Her voice trembled, and she sounded as if she might burst into tears.

Celestine glanced over, curiosity piqued.

Blocking the doorway was a tall, slender woman in the newest SiLI runway dress—a pale blue number that looked straight off the cover of a fashion magazine.

Her dark hair was swept into a perfect bun, and she wore oversized sunglasses. Celestine couldn't see her face, but the sharp line of her jaw suggested striking beauty.

She looked moments away from crying.

The staff member seemed equally distressed. "I'm so sorry, ma'am, but we really are sold out for the day. And I'm not allowed to let anyone else into the kitchen."

Celestine paused, remembering she'd just claimed the last of the pastries—and that two of them were honey cakes.

She leaned in to whisper a few words to the staff member packing her order.

A moment later, she left, carrying her gift box of pastries.

As she passed the distraught woman, Celestine caught a flash of green behind those dark sunglasses—a glint in her eye, perhaps.

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