Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 71

Why had her work not only been accepted like normal, but also—unbelievably—featured as the top pick?

Carmen, flustered and indignant, blurted out, "There's got to be a mistake! Seabay must've messed up! There's no way they'd take one of Celestine's designs! They probably haven't checked the news yet, right? That's it—they haven't seen last night's headlines. Just wait, once they catch on, they'll pull everything off Instagram. Wouldn't be the first time they've done something like that!"

Flossie gave her a look that could only be described as ‘are you for real?' and muttered, "Seabay's final approvals usually take a month before they even start promoting. Celly's collection got the official announcement in less than three days. Guess why?"

Carmen didn't want to guess.

Flossie went on, "Also, Carmen, maybe it's a generational thing, but do you just not get online? Seabay's official socials are always the first to chase the latest trends—they've even made the trending topics before."

She shoved her phone in Carmen's face for emphasis.

By now, SeabayOfficial had already posted ten consecutive announcements about Celestine's collection.

Every single piece was praised to the skies.

It was as if the online rumors didn't even exist.

Carmen's chest heaved; she was so upset she couldn't contain herself. She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Flossie stuck her tongue out at Carmen's retreating back. "Gossip queen—go eat dirt!"

Then, turning to a still-dazed Celestine, Flossie's eyes shone with admiration. "Celly, you are seriously my hero! No one else has ever had Seabay go to bat for them like this. I'm in awe!"

Celestine couldn't make sense of Seabay's move.

Was it just because her work was good enough?

Hardly.

The industry was overflowing with talented designers.

She'd only just made her comeback, and her new pieces lacked even a tenth of the spark she'd once had.

If it was about loyalty, that didn't add up either—Seabay had once cut ties with a designer who'd been with them eight years after a DUI, and they hadn't hesitated for a second.

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