Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 50

The manager forced a weary smile, looking like a man burdened by fate.

It's your restaurant, boss… If you're not the one to talk investments, who else could it be? Me?

He dared not say that aloud, bowing and scraping as he led Quentin to the private dining room.

Quentin, fuming, marched into the main hall—only to spot a familiar figure from across the room.

He raised an eyebrow.

Wasn't that the same woman who, last year, nearly soaked their entire stock of napkins with her tears?

Interest piqued, Quentin strode over.

He wondered, half amused, how long she'd be crying this time.

"Well, look who we have here. Rare guest indeed."

Quentin yanked off his apron and appeared behind the silent crowd.

Celestine heard a vaguely familiar voice. She turned, only to see Quentin grinning at her.

She felt awkward.

Wasn't this the head chef from a year ago?

What was he doing here?

Quentin stood tall, his frame lean and graceful. Sans his white apron, he looked even more striking.

"What's wrong? Do I really look that terrifying?"

Celestine's smile grew even more embarrassed.

How was she supposed to answer that?

She forced herself to reply, "No, not at all."

"Good to know."

Apparently satisfied, Quentin stopped in front of her, leaned down conspiratorially, and asked in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "So, did you finally divorce that husband of yours—the one who ditched you on your birthday last year? Since you're here today, maybe I'll whip up something special for you. Just try not to cry again, okay?"

Celestine wanted to play dumb, but had no idea how to respond, so she stuck to her feigned amnesia act.

Everyone around pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.

After all, in their circle, who didn't know that Celestine's husband was Chester?

Chester's cool gaze flickered with confusion.

Celestine never celebrated birthdays.

Last year, if he recalled, it had actually been his birthday. Celestine had told him she'd booked them a table at this restaurant.

He'd never been one for ceremonial dinners or empty gestures; he'd spent that day deep-sea fishing with Joanna and Zeke instead.

So, Celestine cried because he didn't show?

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