Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 6

Raymond hesitated at the mention of "Mom."

Celia, however, was completely unfazed. "It's already past Mom's calling time, so she won't know anyway! Besides, Miss Joanna always says we're kids—we're supposed to have fun! And right now, what would make me happiest is eating all these cupcakes."

As soon as Celia finished, a warm laugh drifted down from upstairs—Joanna's laugh.

She walked over and gently tapped Celia on the forehead. "You little rascal. All right, whatever Celia and Raymond want to eat, you'll have it."

"Hooray! Miss Joanna, you're the best! I wish you could always live with us!" Celia cheered, her voice filled with innocent excitement.

Joanna couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm.

The nutritionist, standing nearby, frowned slightly. She looked as if she wanted to say something but, catching sight of Joanna, decided to hold her tongue. At first, she'd assumed Miss Selwyn was the lady of the house, but Miss Sinclair moved through the Fordham family home as if it were her own, and the children were clearly devoted to her. It wouldn't do to get on Miss Sinclair's bad side—Mr. Fordham wouldn't be pleased.

Raymond, meanwhile, was torn. Last time he'd ignored his mother's warning, he'd ended up terribly ill. He liked Miss Sinclair, truly, but his mother had said if he kept being greedy, he'd fall seriously sick and worry his father. He couldn't let his parents worry just because he wanted more sweets.

So, as he nibbled at his cupcake, he did so with obvious restraint.

Celia, on the other hand, ate with abandon—mixing hot and cold, devouring too many cream-filled treats. By nightfall, she was curled up in her little bed, shaking with stomach pains. Her pale, cherubic face was now drawn and pitiful.

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