Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 81

"Go ahead."

"Miss Selwyn, after leaving the industry for so long, what prompted you to come back to the career you'd abandoned? Was it a failed marriage?"

"I don't see how that has anything to do with my latest collection."

"Well, then let me ask something that is related to design."

Coco's smile grew sly, as if she'd expected Celestine to dodge the question.

"Since your return, you've immediately landed a collaboration with Seabay. Is that really the work of a designer who's been obscure for six years? Or is it your designs drawing attention—or something else?"

Her insinuation was blatant.

She was a breath away from outright accusing Celestine of sleeping her way to the top.

There was nothing playful about the hostility in her words; it went far beyond what anyone might dismiss as a "sharp tongue" or a joke.

Celestine only responded with a bright, unruffled smile. "Miss Coco, you seem awfully invested in my personal life. I'm curious—have you actually seen any of my work?"

"Naturally," Coco replied, her tone cool, clearly annoyed by the deflection. "But you still haven't answered my question."

Celestine just kept smiling, saying nothing.

Coco became more certain that she'd struck a nerve. "It's fine if you don't want to answer, Miss Selwyn. Sometimes silence says more than words. Designers who rely on their… personal assets are hardly new to me, but I never thought I'd run into one at a house like Seabay. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed."

Contempt and disdain flashed in her eyes.

She didn't have the authority to refuse the interview she'd been assigned, so she made it as unpleasant as possible in hopes Celestine would take the hint and leave of her own accord.

And if not—well, an outburst would be even better.

Coco flipped through her notes with deliberate nonchalance, waiting for Celestine to snap.

Instead, Celestine asked, out of nowhere, "Miss Coco, do you like the outfit you're wearing today?"

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