Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 60

Celia's temper flared, and she planted her hands on the frilly skirt of her princess dress, huffing angrily. "Stein, who do you think you are, telling me what to do? Get out of my way! If you don't move, I'll tell my dad to fire you!"

Stein's eyelid twitched, but he kept his voice steady. "I'm sorry, Miss Fordham, but these are your father's orders. Miss Sinclair has a busy schedule coming up and won't have time to look after you."

Celia's cheeks burned red. "And what, you think anyone actually takes care of me at home? Fine! I'll just hire more maids!" She made to storm past him.

Stein blocked her path, strictly business. "Don't worry, Mr. Fordham is arranging for your mother to come home soon to look after you."

He continued, "And besides, Chairman Fordham has hired a private tutor from Portside City for you. She'll be overseeing your studies and making sure you keep up with your etiquette."

Celia started up again, her voice shrill. "I don't want a mom! I don't want a tutor! Get out of my way, I'm going to find Miss Sinclair myself!"

But the secretary was unmoved.

In a fit of frustration, Celia hurled whatever she could grab at him. "Stein, move it!"

A stern female voice cut through the chaos from the hall. "Such spoiled behavior at your age! Throwing things at others—what a disgrace. No sign of the upbringing expected from a young lady of this family."

Celia forgot her tantrum for a moment and glared at the intruder. "And who are you? This is my house! I'll do whatever I want—none of your business!"

A middle-aged woman strode in, dressed in a crisp black suit, her hair pulled into a flawless bun. She adjusted her black-rimmed glasses, her expression severe. "Just as I thought—unruly and disrespectful, even in front of guests. Not a hint of manners."

"Ms. Brown, thank you for coming," Stein said with obvious relief, as if he'd spotted a lifeline.

Finally, someone who could handle this little terror! With Miss Sinclair and Mr. Fordham always caught up with her, how could those two ever get any closer? With the eldest son away, the family needed someone to keep an eye on Celia. Lucky the old estate sent Ms. Brown over just in time.

Celia shrank under the woman's sharp gaze, feeling the force of her presence. This old bat looks strict enough to eat me alive, she thought, shuddering. Better not pick a fight now—just get through tonight, and tomorrow she'd run off to find Miss Sinclair and never come back to this awful house!

Her mom was the worst. If she hadn't thrown a fit and stormed out, Celia wouldn't be stuck in this mess.

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