Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 257

Ever since Celestine had learned that Gideon was single, she’d wished she could travel back in time and shake whatever nonsense had been sloshing around in her head back then.

Piecing together what she’d heard from Cynthia, she couldn’t help but suspect that Gideon’s aversion to marriage was rooted in the scars left by his mother. But that was his family’s business, and she didn’t dare meddle too much.

“It’s not like that,” Cynthia whispered conspiratorially, leaning in close. “Uncle Gideon actually likes someone. But he’s a total coward—he’d never confess.”

“What?” Celestine’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Gideon… secretly in love? The thought seemed almost comical—she could hardly imagine those words going together.

Thinking back to that awkward dinner the other night, Celestine narrowed her eyes, cupping Cynthia’s small face in her hands. “Are you messing with me, Cynthia? Is this just a prank on your Uncle Gideon?”

Cynthia’s cheeks puffed up and turned red. “No, I’m not! Honest!”

Heavens, let there be justice! she thought dramatically. Ugh, Uncle Gideon, you’re really hopeless!

Cynthia insisted she was telling the truth, but Celestine didn’t take the gossip too seriously. Instead, she enjoyed dinner and laughter with Cynthia, letting the topic drift away.

Later, her phone buzzed—it was Crystal Lennox.

“Celly, the Prescott Group’s tender has been moved up! Starting tomorrow, they’ll announce the shortlist and kick off the first round of on-site creative pitches. Get ready, okay?”

Crystal had faith that Celestine’s work would make the cut, but the sudden change had caught everyone off guard. The schedule shakeup meant anything could happen.

“Well, it is what it is. Don’t worry, I’m good,” Celestine replied calmly.

Her steady nerves were thanks to those intense university years—competing for scholarships by entering back-to-back contests. Some days, she’d finish an art competition in the morning and head straight to a game studio in the afternoon to pitch character designs.

“I knew you’d handle it. Tomorrow at nine, let’s meet outside Prescott Headquarters. Results are out at nine-thirty, and the pitches start at ten sharp. If you’re late, they’ll count you out automatically,” Crystal reminded her.

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