“Stop right there!”
“What on earth do you think you’re doing?!”
Two urgent male voices rang out in unison.
A pair of tall figures burst through the doorway, one right after the other.
Jade froze, her hand suspended mid–air.
She was met with two all–too–familiar faces.
Pete’s voice thundered, “Jade, you have some nerve! You dare raise a hand against Grandpa’s favorite granddaughter right here in his house? Are you tired of living, or just stupid?”
At Pete’s words, the two maids standing nearby nearly jumped out of their skins.
Ever since Celestine got married, her visits to the old family home had become
rare.
Grandpa seldom called her back, but Pete Selwyn–eldest son of the main branch–was a frequent guest.
His outburst only confirmed Celestine’s special place in Grandpa’s heart.
The maids hurriedly released Celestine.
Jade’s lips parted, but when her gaze fell on the unexpected guest at Pete’s side–Chester–she swallowed her retort.
Smack!
A sharp, resounding slap echoed in the room, leaving Jade’s right cheek burning.
She pressed a trembling hand to her face, her eyes blazing with hatred. “Celestine! How dare you hit me? In front of everyone–how dare you!”
Celestine’s lips curled with a cold, mocking smile as she shook out her stinging
hand.
Jade recoiled, misreading the gesture, and darted behind Murdock for protection.
“You little brat! I can’t control you anymore, but your husband’s right here–do you really think you can get away with anything?” Murdock’s voice trembled with fury.
Chester took in the chaotic scene, his frown deepening. “When did it become any of
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your business to discipline my wife?”
Did they really think they could lord it over Celestine the moment he was gone? What a farce.
This woman only ever dared to show her claws in front of him!
“Chester, you’ve got it all wrong,” Edna chimed in hastily, pulling Jade into her arms and smoothing her hair. “Uncle Murdock just worries about Celia and
Raymond–Celestine’s hardly ever home these days. He scolded her a bit, and she’s just throwing a childish tantrum. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
Celestine felt a wave of revulsion.
How skillfully Edna twisted the story–turning a family assault into a loving act of education on Chester’s behalf.
“Let’s just put this behind us today.” Chester’s gaze was ice–cold. “I know you all have your eyes on that restaurant up in Northside. I’ll let you have it–but I have one condition: leave Celestine alone from now on.”
Uncle Murdock’s eyes lit up. “Chester! Don’t be so formal, we’re family. Of course we’ll look after Celly!”
Celestine’s fists clenched at her sides, her eyes dark with disgust.
She barely restrained herself from landing a second slap–this time right across
Chester’s face.
Who gave him the right to make decisions for her?
And judging by Uncle Murdock’s slip-“the car always had issues“-it was clear now: her parents‘ crash was no accident.
“It’s over now. They won’t do this again. Don’t be upset, all right?” Chester moved to Celestine’s side, his voice gentle as he tried to comfort her.
Even though she’d been the one to strike just now, she still looked like the one getting bullied.
She was fierce with him, but at home, she was always backed into a corner.
He didn’t even want to imagine what would have happened if he hadn’t shown up
today.
“Wow, brother–in–law, you really dote on my sister. I suppose even if she had another man out there, you’d still forgive her, wouldn’t you?” Jade spat, her voice dripping with venom.
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Chapter 134
Why was Celestine–an orphan–so lucky? She got everything she wanted.
Her husband loved her to the core!
Edna pinched Jade’s arm in warning.
Idiot–if you’re going to say something, at least wait until Chester transfers the
restaurant!
Chester’s expression turned thunderous.
He’d just had a fight with Celestine over this very thing!
“Uncle Murdock, what’s your stepdaughter trying to say? If you can’t teach her some manners, I’d be happy to send someone who can.”
Murdock rushed to apologize. “Chester, Edna’s still young and doesn’t know any
better. Please don’t take it to heart.”
