Celestine’s heart hammered in her chest.
“Celia, when did you become so spiteful? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to fall down the stairs? Apologize to Cynthia!”
Celia turned her head away, lips pressed into a sulk.
Just a nobody, she thought. Her father had more than enough money; if something happened, they could just pay it off.
Joanna interjected, shaking her head. “This is just kids squabbling. No need to make a fuss, Celly. Celia is your daughter, after all. If the girl’s parents make a scene, just offer them a little compensation.”
Celia silently cheered Joanna’s words. Exactly! That’s how it should be.
Celestine gave a cold laugh. “So if I push you down the stairs right now and pay you off, we’ll just call it even, shall we?”
“That’s not the point-” Joanna’s voice wavered, her face suddenly pale.
“Enough, Celestine. Stop making this into a spectacle,” Chester snapped, his brow furrowed. He turned to the teacher. “Where are her parents? I’d like to speak with them myself.”
So this was what things in Portside City had come to–Celestine standing up for some other child, not her own. Watching her fight tooth and nail for someone else’s kid stung more than he cared to admit.
If even her own daughter couldn’t tie her down, Chester didn’t know what else ever
could.
The teacher took out her phone. “I called already, but I’ll try again.”
Celia, emboldened, stuck her tongue out at Cynthia. “See? Even your mom doesn’t
want you!”
But the next moment, a phone rang–Celestine’s.
She answered, then quickly hung up, turning to the teacher with an apologetic smile. “I’m Cynthia’s legal guardian for the time being.”
The room froze, everyone’s faces a mix of shock and confusion.
Celia looked utterly betrayed. “You’re her guardian? Then what am I?”
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Chapter 253
She practically shouted the words.
Celestine looked at her, baffled. “Didn’t you want Joanna to be your mother? Didn’t you say you wanted nothing more to do with me?”
Celia’s face twisted in frustration–she looked ready to throw a tantrum right there, but a sharp glare from Chester stopped her cold.
Chester’s jaw tightened. “Just say what you want, Celestine. I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’d rather not make this uglier than it already is.”
Celestine’s tone was ice. “Celia apologizes to Cynthia. And you–her father–will pay compensation.”
Chester’s lips thinned. “How much?”
“Not much. Five hundred thousand.”
“Five hundred thousand?” Joanna blurted, unable to keep quiet. “Celly, I know you’re upset with Celia, but you can’t just take someone else’s side like this! Chester’s money doesn’t grow on trees!”
Celestine’s mouth curled in a mocking smile. “Wow, Miss Sinclair, you’re in such a hurry–people might think you’re worried I’ll take your husband’s money. Don’t worry, once Chester and I are divorced, I won’t leave you a single cent from my share.”
“Celly… don’t be like this,” Joanna pleaded, shooting an anxious look at Chester. “I never wanted to take your place as Mrs. Fordham.”
Chester took a deep breath. “Fine. I’ll pay.”
If money could put an end to this, he’d rather pay up than waste another minute arguing.
“I’m not apologizing to that brat!” Celia shrieked.
She tore herself from Joanna’s arms and stormed out of the office.
Joanna put on a show of concern, sighing with indignation. “Celly, you’ve really hurt Celia this time.”
Celestine looked at her coolly. “Well then, since you’re such a devoted stepmom, and she’s run off, why don’t you apologize to Cynthia on her behalf?”
Chapter 254
