But instead of backing off, he just seemed to get more worked up and followed her across the lobby.
“Miss Selwyn, you’re really something these days, huh? Too good to even
acknowledge us old colleagues?” Merlin called out, making sure everyone nearby could hear. He deliberately shifted the spotlight onto Celestine.
As Stein’s cousin, Merlin knew exactly who Celestine was. He’d tried, more than once, to cozy up to her behind the scenes, but she’d never given him the time of day. Didn’t know what was good for her.
Frankly, if it weren’t for Mr. Fordham, he wouldn’t have bothered with her at all.
It was almost laughable–she’d worked at Fordham Group for years, never once revealing she was the boss’s wife, let alone wielding any real power in the company. She was utterly useless to his own ambitions.
And once the rumors about Chester and Joanna started swirling in the tabloids, and even his ever–discreet cousin made his allegiances clear, Merlin had stopped pretending. He’d joined in, both openly and behind the scenes, in making things
difficult for her.
And she still stuck around–persistent as a weed.
Now, with word going around that she and Chester were getting divorced, she was
even less of a threat.
Merlin sneered, eyeing the cast on Celestine’s arm. Her clothes looked like they’d been–grabbed off a clearance rack–she was the picture of down–and–out.
“Miss Selwyn, you really shouldn’t be sitting here. We’re expecting important guests soon–a top–tier production crew Mr. Fordham personally arranged for Miss Sinclair. If they see you like this, loitering at our front entrance, it’ll ruin the company’s image.”
His sarcasm was obvious, but he was too self–absorbed to realize he was undermining his own cousin.
Celestine gave a silent, cold laugh. Birds of a feather, she thought. She’d never expected anything from these people, and clearly, she’d been right.
She stood up, motioning for Pete to follow, and headed out of the lounge.
The receptionist and Merlin both noticed her intent.
08:07
The receptionist rushed to block her way. “Miss Selwyn, if you trespass like this, we have every right to call the police!”
But Merlin was faster, hurrying after her first. He reached out to grab her, only for Pete to step in between, face hard as stone.
Pete worked out regularly, and today he wore just a plain white T–shirt, his biceps alone enough to make Merlin hesitate. Merlin gulped, dropping his hand.
“Celestine, do you really think Fordham Group is your private playground? You can’t just come and go as you please! Just because the CEO’s abroad right now doesn’t mean you get to run wild!”
At that, Celestine stopped in her tracks. So this was the story they’d spun after Chester fell into a coma? A bitter little smile tugged at her lips as she strode
toward the elevator.
Most of the company’s floors required a staff keycard. Merlin, watching her step inside, was already picturing her embarrassment when she realized she couldn’t get anywhere.
But the moment after he finished gloating, Celestine pulled a gold executive card from her purse–the kind only the CEO himself had.
With a beep, the elevator started up.
Merlin stared in disbelief.
Wasn’t the whole point to keep her marriage a secret? How could she just flash the CEO’s card in front of everyone?
Other employees exchanged nervous glances. Celestine was just a backstage worker–how on earth did she have the boss’s card?
“I was waiting here as a courtesy,” Celestine said calmly, her smile gentle but her words like a knife. “If you really thought I couldn’t get in, you’re even dumber than I thought.”
The words sliced through the air, landing squarely on Merlin and his little circle.
The receptionist, suddenly remembering all those company rumors and the time Chester had gone viral online searching for someone, finally understood–especially with Pete’s earlier shout of “Mrs. Fordham.”
08.07
