Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 160

After the party ended, Alistair tried to persuade Celestine to stay a few days longer in Portside City.

Celestine declined gently, using work as her excuse. "Thank you, Grandpa, but there's no need. Things are pretty hectic with the project in Oceanview right now. I promise I'll come back and spend some proper time with you as soon as I'm free."

Alistair didn't push. Instead, he gave her a look full of meaning. "Celly, if things get too stressful, remember to give yourself a break. Don't push yourself so hard."

The memory of her last accident—the head injury and the resulting amnesia—had left him deeply shaken.

That was why, afterward, he'd brought Raymond back to Portside City, hoping the gesture would serve as a warning.

He'd tried everything to protect his family, but in the end, he couldn't stop outside trouble from creeping in. That disgraceful mess Raymond got tangled up in—it was an embarrassment to the Fordham family's name.

Alistair knew he was no longer the one to guide that boy.

Now that the birthday celebration was over, Chester would be taking Raymond with him.

He'd also heard a bit about Celestine looking for work back home.

It seemed Chester and his scatterbrained mother were both bothered by it.

Alistair himself didn't see the big deal.

The world outside wasn't necessarily kinder than the Fordham family. Let her go out and explore—when she was tired of the struggle, she'd naturally want to come home.

And maybe she'd let go of the idea of divorce, too.

Alistair's eyes were gentle, his expression difficult to read—no one could guess what he was really thinking.

As Celestine left, Chester caught up with her.

She ignored his attempt to close the distance between them.

After she'd shown him that video, Chester realized, to his surprise, that he'd seriously underestimated the woman he'd shared a bed with for so many years.

Prompted by Alistair's pointed words the day before, Chester spoke first. "You did well today."

"Oh."

"How much was that painting? I'll pay you for it."

"Six million."

Chester clearly hadn't expected her to actually name a price. His face darkened. "Fine. I'll have someone transfer the money to your account."

"Alright."

Celestine's expression remained cool and unmoved.

Chester felt a wave of frustration rising.

But then he reminded himself—she was pregnant. These strange moods were normal.

He couldn't afford to lose his temper.

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