Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 98

The manager shrank back, voice trembling. "Boss, I understand everything, it's just…"

"Out with it."

"They're demanding a full refund, no repairs. If we refuse, they're threatening legal action—fraud charges, no less."

"Bang!" Lance slammed his hand on the desk, face flushing with anger. "The nerve! Trying to extort me? Who do they think they're dealing with?"

That very day, the usually reserved Lance posted a rare second update on Instagram.

**Lance:** Drama queens, schemers, and con artists—I don't do business with any of you.

The post sent shockwaves through the community.

Speculation exploded online.

Who on earth had pushed the famously easygoing designer this far?

**@StackedLayers:** Isn't Lance supposed to be Joanna's number one fan? Sounds like he's not anymore.

**@JoannaGloves:** Stop making things up! Joanna's the face of Zephyrus Atelier—Designer Blake said so himself. It can't be her. If you pay any attention, Zephyrus's latest collaborations were with Patton and Mirabelle!

**@66RoughPatch:** Patton's in his seventies. No way it's him, right?

**@TooLateNow:** Who is it, then? This is impossible to figure out!

As the rumors swirled, suspicion gradually shifted toward Mirabelle.

Still, Mirabelle's reputation for kindness and professionalism over the years meant plenty of friends came to her defense.

Later that evening, Mirabelle posted her own update.

**Mirabelle:** You never know how much it hurts until the needle pricks you.

The photo showed a single silver pin.

Lance recognized it instantly—it was one of the marking pins he used daily in the studio, always laid out by his own hand.

Damn it. Of all things, why that pin?

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