Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 40

"Pete, that really had nothing to do with you." Celestine cut him off, shaking her head gently. "All I want now is to live my own life, just me. I don't want to think about anything else."

She knew Pete still blamed himself for leaving the country early all those years ago.

Her parents' passing had been so sudden, and moving in with Uncle Murdock after that hadn't been Pete's fault.

But he kept thinking that if he hadn't gone abroad, maybe he could've protected her from all the pain and bullying.

Pete let out a long sigh. "Alright, I'll do as you wish."

Fordham Estate.

Alistair sat at the head of the table, staring down at Chester, who knelt on one knee before him.

"Chester, you'd better explain this to me! Why is that woman staying in your marital home? Sleeping in your wife's bedroom, no less! Is the Fordham house the only shelter left in all of Oceanview City?!"

Alistair slammed his hand on the mahogany table, his breath coming in angry huffs.

Back in Portside, rumors about the two of them had already been swirling.

This wasn't the first time Alistair had called Chester out for his behavior.

And now, barely back in Oceanview City, he's managed to stir up an even bigger scandal.

"Just how did you promise me back then?!"

Chester pressed his lips into a thin line, spine straight as he knelt.

Suddenly, Joanna stumbled into the hall.

Alistair's glare shot toward her. "Who let you in here?!"

With tears brimming in her eyes, Joanna pleaded, "Grandfather, please calm down. I was in poor health back then, and Chester just took pity on me—he let me stay in Celly's room. Please, don't blame him, or the children. This is all because of me."

"Joanna, what are you saying?" Chester finally spoke, his voice steady. "You know medicine. It was me who asked you to help care for the kids, that's why you stayed in Celestine's room. None of this is your fault."

Alistair only laughed coldly.

"Oh, so now you two have a script, right? Chester, are you really going to shield this woman from me?"

Joanna's whole body trembled. She knelt and bowed her head hard to the floor, the impact leaving a red mark on her pale forehead, making her look even more pitiful.

"I'm sorry, I've let the Fordham family down. I'll move out tonight, leave Oceanview City for good, and never bother them again."

"Enough!" Chester pulled Joanna into his arms, shielding her with protectiveness written all over his face.

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