Chapter 168
Chapter 168
Celestine grabbed a napkin and stifled her cough.
All this trouble had started because she’d dragged Gideon to one of Clifton’s notorious “signature” restaurants last time. She’d promised to make it up to him with a proper meal.
And somehow, in the end, they’d come right back to the same kind of place.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else?” Celestine covered her mouth, offering a wry smile.
Gideon smirked. “No need. This is fine. My stomach was made for suffering anyway.”
Hearing that, a wave of guilt washed over Celestine.
I should have researched better!
This new bistro really took “unique” to a whole new level.
She tried to salvage the situation in a small voice. “Next time… next time I’ll treat you to something truly good.”
Gideon just smiled. “This flatbread smells great. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it.” Celestine couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
Who knew Mr. Shield could be funny?
Aside from his knack for holding grudges, he was actually quite pleasant.
When the food arrived, the combos were… unusual, but the flavors weren’t nearly as bad as she’d feared.
In fact, it was surprisingly good.
Across town, Elena hobbled along on her ludicrously expensive cane, sniffling as she complained to Serena, “That Celestine woman is unbelievable! How dare she make a fool out of me like this?”
Serena listened as Elena recounted the whole ordeal, her face darkening.
After that fiasco with the forged painting, Serena should’ve seen it coming. How did Elena let Celestine lead her around by the nose again?
“It’s obvious the shop owner’s in cahoots with her. If you really want, I’ll go with you and return the thing,” Serena sighed, rubbing her temples. Lately, her family had been in chaos over her grandfather’s birthday party, and this was the last thing she needed.
She’d barely managed a breather, only to hear Celestine’s name again. It was enough to make her skin crawl.
“No! Absolutely not!” Elena hugged her cane tightly. “If we go back and demand a refund, think what people would say about the Langleys! It’s just a cane–I’ll keep it. I just can’t stand Celestine getting away with this!”
Serena tried to soothe her. “Forget it, Elena. Don’t let it get to you. There’s a new place upstairs everyone’s raving about. My treat.”
Elena didn’t object.
Together, they took the elevator up to the rooftop.
As they entered, waiting for the host to seat them, Elena’s eyes darted around–and suddenly widened. She grabbed Serena’s arm, barely containing her excitement. “Serena, look! Over on the left–isn’t that Celestine? She’s here, having dinner with some man!”
Serena followed Elena’s gaze.
Sure enough, there was Celestine, looking shy and demure, laughing at something the man across from her had said.
Serena’s face turned stormy.
So that’s why she’s been so moody lately. Now it all makes sense.
Serena whipped out her phone, snapped a photo of the two at their table, and sent it straight to Chester.
Just then, the man got up to take a phone call, heading toward the quieter back
entrance.
Serena narrowed her eyes.
She couldn’t quite see his face, but there was something familiar about him.
Fueled by indignation, she and Elena marched straight over to Celestine’s table.
Bang! Serena slapped her hand down, voice ringing through the restaurant. “Celestine, have you no shame? My brother works himself to the bone for this company, and you spend his money cheating with some gigolo? What has the
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Fordham family ever done to deserve a leech from Oceanview like you?!!
The outburst drew stares from every table nearby.
Celestine quietly set down the fork she’d been using to eat her cherry–blossom flatbread, arranging it neatly on her plate.
“Tsk, tsk, I thought that couple looked cute, but turns out she’s just making a fool of
her husband.”
“Well, maybe she has her reasons. If her husband’s not up to the task, can you really blame her?”
“You never really know people, do you? I can’t stand cheaters–man or woman.”
