Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 155

Serena caught sight of her friend Elena, whose face was drawn and pale.

She noticed Elena standing with Celestine. Something had clearly happened—Serena could feel it in the air.

Celestine walked over to Alistair's side, ignoring the warning look Chester shot her, and greeted him with quiet politeness.

"Grandpa, how are you feeling? I said some things I shouldn't have yesterday—please don't take them to heart."

Alistair's eyes crinkled with a smile. "It's just the usual old aches, nothing to worry about. As for yesterday, it was all a misunderstanding. I'm just glad you were willing to come back, let bygones be bygones. That rascal Chester was completely out of line—I'll be sure to deal with him after all this is over."

Celestine lowered her eyes and answered softly, "Thank you, Grandpa."

Chester relaxed a little when she didn't bring up the divorce in front of everyone. At least she knew where to draw the line. Grandpa's health couldn't take any more shocks right now. Besides, the promise Chester made yesterday had only been said in a moment of anger—there was no real weight to it.

The Fordham family had arranged a formal dinner at the old estate.

Celestine was seated beside Alistair, with Chester on her other side.

Dahlia was absent today, and Raymond had been sent away to reflect on his behavior after yesterday's fiasco.

Celia had caught a cold as soon as she arrived in Portside City, and for fear she might bring bad luck on such a joyful occasion, she'd stayed in the hospital and kept away from the celebration.

"Thank you all for your understanding, and for gathering here again to share a drink with the Fordham family. I failed in my duties as host yesterday. Allow me to offer three toasts as an apology—tea will have to do for me tonight," Alistair said, raising his cup to the guests around him.

The guests graciously raised their glasses in return.

"As for what happened yesterday, it was all just a misunderstanding. The child was misbehaving by the pool and accidentally fell in. Let's be clear—there was nothing mysterious about it, no matter what rumors you might have heard. For my sake, let's put an end to this talk right here."

His words were a pointed warning to anyone thinking of stirring up trouble.

This was the Fordham family's final stance.

Several guests looked uncomfortable.

"Alistair, since you've said so, who would dare to gossip further?"

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify