Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 153

Chester offered a faint smile. "I don't suppose I need to explain myself to you, Uncle Harrison. But the Prescotts sent someone over today, didn't they? Mr. Prescott stood up for my wife at the hotel—seems they're quite close. Aren't you the least bit interested in that connection?"

Harrison Fordham's expression wavered between bemusement and suspicion, as though he wanted to say something but thought better of it.

Was his nephew truly this audacious now?

Even if the Selwyns wouldn't lend a hand, Celestine was still Chester's lawfully wedded wife.

The way Chester spoke, it almost sounded as if he'd handed her over himself.

Tsk.

That wasn't much more honorable than Victor's methods.

At least his own son would never stoop so low as to barter a woman for leverage.

Then again, Celestine wasn't his daughter-in-law. If Chester's branch of the family stumbled, his own son would have a shot at succession. Harrison couldn't help but be amused by the drama—he'd be perfectly happy to see the second branch create their own mess.

If Chester really did lose everything, Harrison's boy still had hope.

A shrewd glint flashed in Harrison's eyes. "Oh? Why don't you tell me more?"

…

After Alistair collapsed, Celestine wasn't able to catch a ride back with the Fordham family.

The Fordhams made no effort to hide their dislike of her, but Alistair, at least, had once shown her genuine kindness.

She managed to get news from the old house's staff that the patriarch was out of danger, and only then did she allow herself to breathe again.

On her way back to the hotel, Chester called.

"Celly, I want to apologize for what happened today—on behalf of Joanna and my mother."

Celestine found that almost amusing. "Then let them say it to me themselves."

Chester's tone dropped, serious. "I know you're upset, but things got out of hand. It was Granddad's birthday, after all. Couldn't you forgive them, just this once, for his sake?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm not a saint. What you're asking is impossible."

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