Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 32

Chester's eyes narrowed, his gaze cold and sharp.

Even when his mother had slapped him earlier, Celestine hadn't reacted half as fiercely as she was now.

He scowled, reaching to snatch the container from her arms.

He was much stronger than she was.

Celestine clung to the container as if her life depended on it, her face—already red and swollen from the earlier slap—flushing even deeper.

If these people were going to drink the soup, she'd rather pour it out for the stray dogs.

Their struggle escalated, Chester's temper flaring. "Don't start with me. Let go."

Celestine gritted her teeth, stubborn but no match for his strength. The container was slipping from her grasp.

Then a pale, elegant hand appeared, pressing the lid down.

A low, almost amused voice followed.

"Do you two need me to set up a stall for you?"

The tug-of-war ended immediately.

Celestine hugged the nearly overturned container to her chest, grateful as she looked up at the newcomer.

Gideon had traded his hospital gown for a black overcoat today. Tall to begin with, the coat only made him more imposing.

When he wasn't speaking, he carried a quiet intensity that made it hard for anyone to meet his eyes.

Celestine glanced away, ducking her head and shrinking back.

Gideon's gaze lingered on the angry red handprint across her face, his expression darkening.

Chester, for his part, let go the moment Gideon appeared, silently sizing up the man before him. He looked familiar. Wasn't this the guy who'd saved Celestine at the hospital that day?

A ripple of irritation passed through Chester.

Joanna's eyes flicked between them, gentle and smooth as she stepped forward to take Chester's arm. "You must be Mr. Prescott. I'm so sorry for the disturbance. We'll be leaving now."

Suddenly, it all clicked for Chester.

He offered Gideon a business card. "I've heard much about you, Mr. Finley."

The Prescott family had two sons.

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