Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 33

It was happening again—for what felt like the hundredth time.

The sting on her cheek lingered, pulsing beneath the surface, impossible to ignore.

Gideon's smile had faded. His gaze locked on the fresh bruise, his voice icy. "Didn't I tell you to wait in your room? Why weren't you inside?"

Vernon arrived just in time to witness the scene, wishing he could melt into the elevator and disappear.

Good grief, after all the rushing, the young master still didn't make it in time!

"Just standing there taking a beating without fighting back," Vernon muttered under his breath, "Anyone who didn't know better would think Miss Selwyn has some strange tastes."

Celestine bit her lip, a strange ache rising in her chest.

When Dahlia slapped her just now, she hadn't felt like crying.

When Chester openly took Dahlia's side, and even chased after Joanna right in front of her, she still didn't want to cry.

But Gideon's words—cold and careless—somehow wrapped around her heart, squeezing tight.

She figured he must think she was nothing but trouble.

Celestine sniffed, turning away as her eyes stung with tears.

Well, he wasn't wrong. Every time fate threw them together, she left him with nothing but a mess to clean up.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Prescott. I didn't mean to bother you."

Gideon noticed the flush in her eyes and cursed himself silently.

Why had he said that? What was he expecting her to do in a situation like that?

Vernon, watching from the side, grew anxious.

Come on, sir, if you don't take your chance to comfort her now, then when?

Gideon straightened his usually relaxed posture, struggling to find the right words.

After an awkward pause, he managed, "That's it?"

Vernon blinked. Wait, what?

Well, there goes your chance, boss.

Gideon shot him a warning look.

Vernon immediately piped up, "I'll get some ointment for Miss Selwyn."

Celestine started to protest, "That's not necessary—" but Vernon had already slipped away.

Gideon turned and pushed open the door to the room, which had been left ajar for him.

He ran his tongue along his teeth, letting out a humorless chuckle.

So, it hadn't been locked after all.

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