The moment those words left her lips, Chester Fordham’s anger flared even hotter.
What did she really take him for?
He forced himself to calm down, then seized her hand in a tight, unyielding grip. “Come home with me. I’ll set up a private studio for you–whatever kind of design you want to do, whoever you want to hire, it’s up to you. I’ll get a nanny for the kids. If you don’t want to see them, I’ll send them to my mother’s place.”
Celestine Selwyn’s expression didn’t flicker.
If anything, she looked almost amused.
See? He knew exactly what to do, how to treat her well.
But Chester never bothered–never cared–unless she stabbed deep enough to make him bleed. Only when he felt threatened did he suddenly manage to squeeze out a pitiful scrap of sympathy.
Her voice was cold and flat. “It’s too late.”
The look in her eyes made Chester’s heart skip. For a split second he flashed back to the night she’d fallen into the sea.
He tightened his grip on her, voice rough. “It’s not too late. There’s still time. We can get the paperwork started right now.“/
“Chester, you’re disgusting.” Celestine’s long lashes trembled.
She tried to yank her hand free, but he wouldn’t budge.
She exhaled sharply. “Take the kids and get out. Until the divorce is final, I don’t want to see any of you again. Otherwise, who knows–maybe those little private videos you’re so fond of will turn up online sooner than you think.”
Instantly, whatever fragile warmth had started to kindle in Chester’s chest went cold and hard. His face turned grim. “Celestine, haven’t you made enough of a scene?”
She didn’t even bother to argue. “No. Not nearly enough.”
Anyone can play dirty.
Chester finally released her, a shadow darkening his brow. “Fine. If ‘re really set on this, have it your way.”
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He paused, glancing up at the building.
“But as far as I know, this apartment is joint property. I have every right to my half”
“Chester, what are you up to?” Celestine shot him a furious glare. “If you dare move in, I’ll post those videos right now!”
Chester’s lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile.
“If you insist on not coming home, I’ll just sell my half.”
“Let’s see how you like sharing a home with a total stranger.
He shrugged. “Of course, if you’re willing to forgive the kids–and me–I’ll sign the place over to you.”
Celestine stared at him, stomach churning with disgust. She forced herself to go still, then gave a brittle laugh, reckless and defiant. “Go ahead. Sell it. I’d love to see what kind of idiot wants to buy half an apartment. I’ll laugh in their face.”
No one in their right mind would pay top dollar just to share a home with the landlord.
She comforted herself with the thought that the real estate market was terrible right now.
Cold fury radiated from Chester. “Fine. If I can’t sell it, I’ll rent it out. Five hundred bucks a month. Anyone need a place? Contact me.”
He turned and looked pointedly at the cluster of neighbors gawking from the sidewalk, making sure everyone heard the price loud and clear.
Five hundred a month–for a luxury place like this? The building fees alone were more than that.
Celestine felt her heart sink.
He just wanted to make her miserable.
“Whatever,” she muttered.
Worst case, she’d move out too.
Let him rent out both halves for all she cared.
But if he thought he could bully her into backing down, that they could just sweep it all under the rug-
Not a chance.
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Celestine bit her lip, then turned and walked over to the kids. “Come on, get up.”
The children looked at her in disbelief.
“Mom, does this mean you’ve forgiven us?” Raymond asked, voice trembling with
hope.
Celia’s eyes shone, waiting for her answer.
Celestine gently ruffled Raymond’s hair, her voice soft. “Let’s just get up, okay?”
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