Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 312

“Agh! No, that’s not true! I didn’t do it!” Edna’s eyes were wild with fear as she scrambled to get up from the floor, panic written all over her face.

Celestine dramatically wiped her eyes, squeezing out a single tear, her voice sharp with disbelief. “Aunt Edna, I saw everything just now! I’ve told you before—Grandpa’s old, his health’s failing. Why would you do something to hurt him? When has the Selwyn family ever treated you unfairly? Uncle, she claims Grandpa always favored you, but has he ever let you go hungry, or cheated you out of your share when the estate was divided? Do you remember how many paintings Grandpa sold just to clean up your messes? Or has that all just slipped your mind?”

Her voice rang out, clear and powerful.

When the accusatory stares landed on Murdock, his face turned ashen, lost for words, completely flustered.

The crowd’s anger was instantly inflamed.

“My God! What a bunch of ungrateful leeches! I thought the old man was being harsh, but it turns out his own son and mistress were bleeding him dry!”

“With a son like that, you’d be better off with a roast in the oven!”

“Wait, now I remember where I’ve seen that old man’s face! That’s Luther Selwyn, the famous master! His paintings go for millions. I heard he’s been in poor health and hasn’t painted in years. And yet his own son doesn’t care if he lives or dies—what a monster!”

Sharp, cutting accusations flew at Murdock from every direction.

He’d spent years as a respected professor, his image carefully maintained and admired by students.

Never had he been the target of such widespread public condemnation.

Some in the crowd even started shouting insults in his face.

Completely losing his composure, Murdock stormed over and slapped Edna hard across the face.

“Wretch! After everything Dad’s done for you, this is how you repay him?”

He put his full strength into that blow, knocking Edna—already dazed—back to the floor.

She cowered, clutching her face, sobbing in anguish. “I didn’t do it, Murdock! He fell on his own, I swear—I never touched him!”

“Still trying to lie your way out? You’re a mother, for God’s sake! How could you be so heartless? That’s my father you hurt!”

Still seething, Murdock aimed a vicious kick at her stomach.

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