As soon as Celestine stepped into the banquet hall, the chatter died away. All eyes turned to her.
“Well, well, look who finally bothered to show up. What was it–three invitations, four? Did you need your dear mother–in–law to come drag you here in person?” The voice from the head table was sharp and mocking.
Dahlia’s face was thunderous.
Still, out of courtesy, Celestine called out quietly, “Mother.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dare accept the honor!” Dahlia snapped, her tone icy. “Everyone here can see for themselves–I wasn’t the one forcing you. Or are you trying to say I’m driving you to your grave?”
She was still stewing about the fiasco at the hospital last time. The old man had flown into a rage, and she’d caught the brunt of it too. Dahlia had been married into. the Fordham family for years, and even if she’d never gotten along with the folks at the old house, she’d never been scolded so mercilessly–not until recently. Worse, her precious grandson had been punished, left all alone to suffer at the Portside
estate.
It was all Celestine’s fault! If she’d just cared a little for her own child, none of this mess would have happened. If Dahlia had known things would turn out this way,” she’d have let that actress Joanna marry into the family instead.
Her expression grew colder by the second.
“Showing up this late isn’t just disrespectful to your elders–it’s a slap in the face to every ancestor here! Get yourself up to the altar, kneel, and give ten proper bows for forgiveness. Maybe our ancestors will show you some mercy.”
The Fordham family wasn’t as superstitious as some old–money clans, but at any large gathering–no matter the venue–they set up an altar. Before the banquet officially began, the host was expected to light the incense and pay respects, or else risk inviting bad luck and offending tradition.
Dahlia’s demand was less about tradition and more about making Celestine’s life miserable. She wanted to get under Alistair’s skin, and doing it in front of so many guests was the perfect way to vent her spite.
Celestine, however, ignored her and instead glanced over Dahlia’s shoulder at Serena. Their eyes met. Serena’s usually haughty gaze faltered; she looked away,
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clearly uneasy, but not the least bit remorseful.
Dahlia lost her patience. “So now you won’t even listen to a single word I say? What are you playing at, Celestine? Are you really planning to disrespect every ancestor here, in front of everyone?”
Unfazed, Celestine replied evenly, “Mother, aren’t you at all curious why I was late?”
“Late is late! Don’t bother making excuses. You’re getting more out of control by the day!” Dahlia didn’t care about the reason–only the result.
Celestine took out her phone, her voice calm. “Well, as it happens, I recorded everything that happened at the door. Once you see it, you’ll understand.”
Serena’s expression changed instantly.
What? She hadn’t just been texting earlier–she’d been recording the whole thing!
Before Dahlia could speak, Serena hurriedly cut in. “Mother!” She pulled Dahlia aside, lowering her voice. “Let it go, all right? Everyone’s watching. Celestine’s still a member of this family. If she’s humiliated, we all become the laughingstock of our circle. Let’s deal with her properly once the banquet’s over–punish her at the family chapel if you want.”
Dahlia bristled. “Serena, since when did you become so cautious?” But her daughter had a point, and in the end, Dahlia grudgingly relented.
you this
She shot Celestine a glare. “You don’t have to kneel. Serena spoke up for time, so count yourself lucky. Don’t go around acting like the whole world owes you something.”
“Why, thank you, Mother.” Celestine’s lips curled in a faint, knowing smile. “But I do think we should all take a look at this video, just to be clear.”
Serena blanched and quickly objected again. “Mother! There’s no need for her gratitude. Let’s just go–Grandfather’s about to start the ceremony.”
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