Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 301

Celestine Selwyn hurried forward and gently helped her grandfather back into his chair, the sharpness in her eyes giving way to a softer concern.

“Grandpa, how could I ever blame you? Just tell me honestly—was it Uncle Murdock who signed these papers behind your back?”

She’d glanced over the documents carefully, and several bore her grandfather’s personal seal. Dahlia might not have recognized it, but Celestine knew her grandfather would never have done something like this. The only one with both access and opportunity was Murdock Selwyn, who came and went as he pleased.

Luther Selwyn hunched over, shoulders trembling with shame. “That scoundrel Murdock! And to think I believed he could change. You lie with dogs, you get fleas—ever since he started running around with Edna Lane, his heart’s turned rotten. Listen, if the Fordhams try to force your hand, I swear on what’s left of my life, I’ll fix this mess for you, no matter what it takes.”

If Dahlia was able to present all these files today, it could only mean the Fordhams upstairs had already given their blessing. The moment the marriage between the two families ended, Celestine would be left holding the bill.

The thought made Luther want to grab his cane and give Murdock the beating he deserved.

Celestine gently rubbed her grandfather’s back, soothing him. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Now that we know who’s behind this, we have a path forward. The divorce with Chester Fordham isn’t finalized yet, so I’ll need your help to smooth things over.”

“Help? You and Grandpa are family—don’t even mention it!” Luther grumbled, but his tone was full of affection.

Celestine smiled and sat beside him, quietly explaining her plan.

That afternoon, Celestine asked Pete Selwyn to help arrange a temporary discharge from the hospital.

“Celly, your injuries aren’t healed yet. Why are you so anxious to leave? I can stay here and keep watch. If that old witch dares show her face again, I’ll make sure she regrets it!” Pete had come back late after picking up Celestine’s medication, and hearing about Dahlia’s earlier visit left him fuming. He’d wanted to confront her himself, but Celestine talked him down.

He assumed Celestine was so fed up she couldn’t even bear to stay in her room, and that made him even angrier.

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