Mr. Ivan was the consummate professional–he drafted a divorce agreement for Celestine that fit her needs perfectly, covering every possible detail.
He was the same lawyer Gideon had recommended to her last time. Celestine hadn’t put much faith in it; she decided to give it a try more out of resignation than hope.
The Fordham family belonged to a class of old–money aristocrats. Divorce was almost unheard of in their history. Even if the men sometimes had their scandals, the wife’s position in the family remained untouchable.
Now that she wanted a divorce, the obstacles weren’t just Chester–Alistair, the family patriarch, was an even greater challenge.
“Thank you, Mr. Ivan. We’ll talk more at our next meeting,” Celestine said, gathering her things before returning to her hotel.
During the evening, her grandfather sent a message to check on her. Not wanting to worry him or put him in a difficult position, she downplayed her troubles and only
mentioned the situation around Alistair.
The next morning, she received a call from the family estate. Alistair had invited her back for a simple meal.
Celestine changed her original flight plans and made her way back to the Fordham
manor.
But when she arrived, it was immediately clear this was no ordinary family meal.
The Fordham family’s ancestral home stood in Sunderidge, an exclusive, hilltop neighborhood in Portside City where every square foot was worth a fortune. The manor itself was perched halfway up the hillside, its unique character a blend of Western and Eastern influences–a nod to Alistair’s love of art and culture.
As Celestine stepped through the front doors, she noticed an unusually high number of luxury cars parked outside.
Inside, shadows moved across the grand foyer. While the gathering wasn’t as crowded as the gala at the hotel the night before, many of the Fordham family’s closest friends and prominent relatives were present–faces Celestine recogniz all too well.
She guessed Alistair wanted to address the previous night’s incident, to give an explanation and avoid fueling gossip. Besides, his birthday festivities officially
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Chapter 154
began today; it wasn’t too late to make amends.
Alistair had always thrown an extravagant party the night before his birthday. On the actual day, he preferred a cozier celebration–a family meal, warm and
intimate.
“Isn’t that the Fordham daughter–in–law who pushed her own son into the pool? How does she still have the nerve to show up?”
“I heard she’s the reason Alistair fainted yesterday. Who knows if it’s true.”
“She looks pretty enough, but how can someone so beautiful be so cruel? A woman like that doesn’t deserve to stay in the family.”
The guests‘ whispers weren’t subtle. Celestine heard every word.
So this was the story making the rounds now.
The Fordham family’s silence–no one stepping forward to clarify or defend her–spoke volumes.
A young woman in a flowing white gown abruptly blocked Celestine’s path. “Wow, not only are you heartless, but you’re shameless too! After everything people are saying about you, you still have the guts to show up at Alistair’s birthday dinner? Aren’t you afraid you’ll give the old man another heart attack?”
Another woman in a short black cocktail dress sneered. “Maybe she’s just here for the attention. Some people love a scandal.”
“What’s this?” Celestine smiled, her composure flawless. “Did I walk in on the Grim Sisters hosting a wake?” She glanced at their clashing monochrome outfits and continued, unbothered by their suddenly twisted expressions. “Sorry to disappoint you, but my grandfather invited me personally. If you don’t want to see me, you’ll just have to suffer through dinner. Let’s see who enjoys it more.”
The two women exchanged glances, realizing the awkwardness of their mismatched dresses.
The woman in white bristled with indignation. “Don’t get cocky! Just because you married into the Fordham family doesn’t mean you’ll stay forever!”
“If you want the spot so badly, I’ll graciously step aside and leave it for you,” Celestine replied with a cool, unhurried smile.
The woman’s face flushed purple with anger. “You-”
“What’s all this excitement?” A deep voice called from the staircase.
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Chapter 154
Alistair, flanked by a crowd of admirers and family, appeared on the second–floor landing. Despite the pallor of illness, his face lit up when he saw Celestine.
“Celly, you made it! Come here, darling!”
Celestine leaned closer to the two women, lowering her voice just enough for them to hear, “Sorry, my grandfather’s calling me. No point getting angry–you’ll just give yourself wrinkles. I’ll see myself in.”
“You-!” Elena Langley was so furious her teeth almost chattered.
What an infuriating woman! Serena had described her perfectly–she really was impossible.
