Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 305

Celestine was a far cry from the timid pushover she’d been just a few months ago. Back then, she’d let anyone walk all over her; now, there was a steely edge in her voice.

“Audit,” she said coolly. “I’ll need you to come with me. Without your authorization, no one’s going to let me through.”

Stein felt a cold sweat creeping down his temple.

“Ma’am, you’re giving me too much credit. I don’t have that kind of power,” he replied quickly. If he agreed to this, the rumors would spread like wildfire, and trouble would follow. Years at Chester’s side had taught Stein the value of caution—he survived on it.

Clearly, something unpleasant had happened downstairs when Celestine arrived. He’d have to find a way to smooth things over later.

Celestine shot him a look he couldn’t read, then strode off toward accounting.

Stein started to follow, but just then his assistant rushed out of the conference room, waving a stack of papers. “Stein, there’s another contract that needs your signature.”

He glanced over his shoulder at Celestine’s retreating figure, hesitated, but stopped to review the contract, reading every line before finally signing it.

“Hey, Stein, isn’t that the star from accounting over at Fordham? What’s she doing here?” the assistant whispered, eyes following Celestine.

Only Stein knew the truth about Celestine and Chester’s secret marriage—everyone else was in the dark.

“She’s Mrs. Fordham. Watch what you say and do around her from now on,” Stein warned, handing over the signed contract. “Especially lately. If she comes to the office, give her whatever she asks for. Don’t cross her.”

The assistant’s eyes went wide, hand flying to cover his mouth. Had he just said something out of line?

Stein hurried off toward accounting. As he reached the door, he heard a sharp, furious yell from inside.

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