Chapter 257
Chapter 257
Ever since Celestine had learned that Gideon was single, she’d wished she could travel back in time and shake whatever nonsense had been sloshing around in her head back then.
Piecing together what she’d heard from Cynthia, she couldn’t help but suspect that Gideon’s aversion to marriage was rooted in the scars left by his mother. But that was his family’s business, and she didn’t dare meddle too much.
“It’s not like that,” Cynthia whispered conspiratorially, leaning in close. “Uncle Gideon actually likes someone. But he’s a total coward–he’d never confess.”
“What?” Celestine’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Gideon… secretly in love? The thought seemed almost comical–she could hardly imagine those words going together.
Thinking back to that awkward dinner the other night, Celestine narrowed her eyes, cupping Cynthia’s small face in her hands. “Are you messing with me, Cynthia? Is this just á prank on your Uncle Gideon?”
Cynthia’s cheeks puffed up and turned red. “No, I’m not! Honest!”
Heavens, let there be justice! she thought dramatically. Ugh, Uncle Gideon, you’re really hopeless!
Cynthia insisted she was telling the truth, but Celestine didn’t take the gossip too seriously. Instead, she enjoyed dinner and laughter with Cynthia, letting the topic drift away.
Later, her phone buzzed–it was Crystal Lennox.
– “Celly, the Prescott Group’s tender has been moved up! Starting tomorrow, they’ll
announce the shortlist and kick off the first round of on–site creative pitches. Get ready, okay?”
Crystal had faith that Celestine’s work would make the cut, but the sudden change had caught everyone off guard. The schedule shakeup meant anything c happen.
“Well, it is what it is. Don’t worry, I’m good,” Celestine replied calmly.
Her steady nerves were thanks to those intense university years–competing for scholarships by entering back–to–back contests. Some days, she’d finish an art competition in the morning and head straight to a game studio in the afternoon to
1/3
09:18 1
Chapter 257
pitch character designs.
“I knew you’d handle it. Tomorrow at nine, let’s meet outside Prescott Headquarters. Results are out at nine–thirty, and the pitches start at ten sharp. If you’re late, they’ll count you out automatically, Crystal reminded her
Celestine took mental note of every word.
The next morning, she dropped Cynthia off at school bright and early, then drove straight to the Prescott building. But of course, fate had other ideas. A highway accident brought traffic to a standstill.
By the time she reached Prescott Headquarters, it was already nine–twenty
Crystal had left her a note and a visitor’s pass at the front desk, then led the rest of their team inside.
Celestine explained her situation to the receptionist, who quickly checked her ID and handed over the pass.
“The competition’s on the thirtieth floor, first door on the right. Good luck,” the receptionist said with a warm smile.
Celestine thanked her and hurried to the elevator, pressing the button for the thirtieth floor.
The elevator stopped at the sixth floor. A group of women stepped in, chatting and laughing.
“Celestine? What are you doing here?” a sharp voice demanded.
Celestine was texting Crystal to let her know she’d arrived when she looked up and saw Jade Lane, who was eyeing her visitor’s pass with a smirk. “Oh, I see. Here to beg for work at our company? With your so–called art skills, you’re just embarrassing yourself.”
The other women glanced at Jade, curious. “Jade, who is she?”
Jade’s lips curled. “Just a washed–up designer–used to be a stay–at–hom She’s got nothing to show, so she’s here hoping for a miracle.”
Jm.
Celestine glanced at the time. Five minutes until the event started. She had no interest in wasting time with Jade’s theatrics.
Jade noticed Celestine’s indifference and sneered. She shifted her weight, then pretended to stumble, collapsing against the panel of elevator buttons.
In an instant, every floor button lit up in red.
Chapter 257
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry,” Jade said, feigning innocence.
