Chapter 219
Celestine’s eyes softened. “Alright, I understand.”
She didn’t argue with Pete.
But she was still prepared to care for her grandfather in his old age.
Back when she was part of the Fordham family, the only thing she had any say over was the allowance for the two kids. Everything else was out of her hands.
Even something as simple as supporting her grandfather had always been a struggle.
Every year, only at Christmas would she quietly set aside a year’s worth of savings to send to her grandfather.
He always accepted it, just as she hoped he would, but on his way out, he’d double the amount and slip it into red envelopes for the children.
There were many moments like that.
But now, as freedom finally seemed within reach, all she wanted was to make life a little easier for the people she loved, as much as she possibly could.
Pete took their grandfather back to the old house, leaving Celestine behind.
“Get some rest. You must be exhausted after everything that’s happened. Like I said, I’ll take care of Grandpa. You just focus on yourself, okay?” Pete made sure she was safely back at her apartment, repeating himself at least twice before leaving.
“Got it, big brother,” Celestine replied, hoisting her suitcase and waving at him. “Drive safe.”
She waited for the elevator, watching the numbers drop from six to one.
She guessed this was about the time Old Clifton would be out for his daily walk.
She was already preparing herself to greet him when the elevator doors opened.
Ding.
“Clifton-” Gelestine started to call out, but the words caught in her throat. Standing inside the elevator was a man, tall and strikingly handsome, who took her
completely by surprise.
She felt a little awkward.
13:46)
Seriously? Gideon’s back already?
When they’d parted that morning, Vernon had said Gideon would still be in Portside City for another week handling business.
“Mr. Prescott, I thought you were Clifton,” she said, regaining her composure.
“Who? Who’s calling me?” boomed a strong voice from the hallway.
Before the man himself appeared, a small snow–white dog dashed in, leash dragging behind.
The little dog ran up to Celestine, wagging its tail so hard it looked like a tiny propeller. She couldn’t help but grin.
“Clifton, it’s been ages! Is this your new dog?”
Panting and holding his lower back, Old Clifton Prescott shuffled in behind the dog. “Oh, don’t get me started. That great–granddaughter of mine is always bringing home strays. She bought this little rascal, and then who ends up walking him? Me! My old bones can barely keep up!”
Celestine tried not to laugh, crouching to ruffle the dog’s soft fur, her attention entirely on the little animal.
Gideon glanced over. “Grandpa, if Cynthia finds out, you know we’ll have ten more dogs in the house by tomorrow.”
“You-! You little rascal, what are you doing here?” Clifton, distracted by Celestine, hadn’t noticed Gideon until now.
Celestine nearly burst out laughing at Clifton’s unusual choice of words.
Gideon folded his arms. “After all this time away, Grandpa, and the first thing you do is curse at me? My feelings are hurt.”
Clifton huffed, clearly uncomfortable. This kid had orchestrated a whole internal shake–up at The Prescott Group, sending Vernon home early to reassure the family everything was fine while he handled the mess.
“You nearly turned the whole company upside down this time. We’ll talk about it later,” Clifton grumbled, waving off the subject, then herded Gideon to stand in front of Celestine.
With a warm, kindly smile, he introduced them, “Sweetheart, this is my eldest grandson, the one I’m always telling you about. Not bad–looking, right? If you’re interested, maybe you two could spend some time together and get to know each other?”
