Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 136

"Alright, I'm just an old man now—I can't be much help to you all anymore."

"Celly has always been the child I've cherished most. Back then, she gave up over a decade of hard work in art and design just to marry you, to take care of Celia Raymond."

Luther rambled on, his tone both gentle and firm.

"She's grown up now. It's time to let her go and live her own life. Don't push her too hard. If anything happens to my granddaughter, you come to me—I'll take the blame for her."

He squeezed Celestine's hand, his smile warm and kind.

Tears streamed down Celestine's face.

Her heart twisted painfully at her grandfather's words.

He was a master of his craft, one of the last great old artists, never one to bow his head lightly. Yet for her, at his age, he still worried himself sick.

He'd said so much, but all of it was because he was afraid she wouldn't be happy—afraid the Fordhams would bully her.

"Silly girl, what are you crying for? Look at you—so pitiful. With your husband right here, who would dare pick on you?" Luther pulled out a tissue and handed it to his beloved granddaughter.

Celestine sobbed even harder.

Chester sat quietly on the other side, never intruding on the moment between grandfather and granddaughter.

Now wasn't the time.

The family finished lunch together.

Afterward, Murdock, clearly out of his element, excused himself without delay.

Luther had someone help move the paintings into Celestine's car.

He noticed the couple had each driven their own car, but pretended not to see.

In the dining room, Celestine neatly arranged the pastries she'd brought from Southern Cross Patisserie for her grandfather.

She gave the housekeeper strict instructions to serve them in moderation—never too many at once.

Chester watched her fuss over these details, and for a moment, was blindsided by memories of her back at their home.

She used to look after him and the kids just like this—gentle, attentive, thoughtful.

Why hadn't he ever noticed how caring she was before?

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