Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 316

But Vernon had intentionally left one crucial step out—he never mentioned that the whole incident would be shared online first.

Sometimes, you didn’t have to play by the book.

This so-called “saint” went on and on about justice and fairness, but when it came to asking for money, she never hesitated for a second.

“What about blackmail?” Gideon pressed.

“For cases like Ms. Lane’s, where the amount extorted is substantial, the penalty is a minimum of three years and up to ten years in prison.”

This time, he didn’t leave out any details.

Jade thought they were standing up for her, trying to intimidate Celestine, and she was practically giddy with satisfaction.

Gideon’s voice grew cold. “Did you hear that?”

“Did you hear that, sis? Mr. Prescott is talking to you!” Jade was practically bouncing, eager to see Celestine’s reaction.

She knew Celestine wasn’t hurting for money.

After years of being married into the Fordham family, Celestine surely had her own little stash tucked away.

If only they could get it all out of her—then all those years in the Fordham house would have been for nothing.

“I’m talking to you, Ms. Lane.”

The words dropped from Gideon’s lips like a nightmare.

Jade thought she’d misheard. Hesitant, she asked, “Mr. Prescott, are you talking to me?”

Gone was the easygoing look on Gideon’s face.

Now, his eyes were as cold and merciless as stone, staring at her as if she were nothing more than trash.

Jade’s heart skipped a beat.

She tried to reassure herself—surely she was imagining things.

She’d played her role perfectly just now.

She’d even managed to act like the dutiful daughter.

But then, just as her mind started to spiral, her own voice—the recording of her earlier accusations—suddenly blared through the hospital room.

When the audio reached the part where she called Celestine the real murderer and demanded fifty million in compensation, the volume was turned all the way up.

Only then did Jade realize, far too late, who their real target was.

“Mr. Prescott, you understand me, don’t you? I only made those recordings so I could remind my sister to behave better in the future, right?” Jade clung desperately to hope.

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