That year, Caffrey was already in his sixties, traveling alone across Europe.
Then disaster struck–he lost all his money.
At the time, Celestine had no idea who he really was. She simply took pity on the disheveled old man, bought him a new set of clothes, treated him to a warm meal, and contacted the embassy for help.
Before he left, he asked for her contact details.
Not long after he returned home safely, he transferred ownership of this vineyard to her as a gift.
Every year, Chester would take charge of preparing Alistair’s birthday present. The video was originally meant to add a little extra flair to the occasion.
But after Celestine and Chester had a falling out, she could hardly give Alistair something so extravagant, and her mind landed on the painting of the rose garden. Since Caffrey was the original artist, she wanted his blessing.
Caffrey wholeheartedly supported her choice and even sent his apprentice, who happened to be living nearby, to personally touch up the painting’s colors for her.
She never expected it would all lead to today’s scandal over a supposed forgery.
Celestine said no more.
A heavy silence settled over the room.
She regarded Elena with a faint, ambiguous smile.
Elena’s cheeks burned with shame.
Everything she’d just said now felt like a slap to her own face.
“Miss Langley, you claimed the original painting was in your family’s studio. Shall I call Mr. Caffrey right now to identify, in front of everyone, which one is truly his work?”
Elena was mortified, humiliated beyond words.
She stomped her foot and fled the room.
“Elena!” Serena called after her, making to follow.
Chapter 159
But Celestine’s voice stopped her. “Miss Fordham, you slandered not only my
painting, but my character as well–just like your friend. Since she’s run off, I’ll have to ask you to apologize on her behalf.”
Celestine sat in the antique armchair, her gaze cold and commanding, utterly detached.
Serena barely recognized her.
Was this really the same woman who used to bend over backward to please everyone in the family?
Now, it seemed, Celestine cared about no one’s opinion except her grandfather’s.
Serena, torn between anger and embarrassment, remained silent.
Alistair’s brows drew together in a stern frown. “Serena, have you forgotten every bit of manners I ever taught you? Apologize to Celly. Now.”
“Sorry! There, I said it!” Serena choked back tears, tossed out the apology, and stormed out of the room.
Alistair rubbed his temples. “We’ve spoiled that girl rotten. Don’t take it to heart, Celly.”
Celestine offered him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I understand–Serena’s still just a child at heart.”
A child, she thought, who was well into her twenties and still living off the family. Celestine hadn’t forgotten what Serena had done to her the day before.
She wasn’t the type to let things slide–she was just waiting for the right moment to strike back when it would hurt the most.
Alistair’s eyes narrowed, sharp with impatience. “Child? She’s over twenty, not a kid anymore! Running around spending the Fordham family’s money like there’s no tomorrow. Chester, starting tomorrow, cut your sister’s allowance in half.”
Chester nodded, not bothering to defend Serena.
“Celly, I loved both of your gifts today–absolutely wonderful. Tell me, is there anything you want? Anything at all, just say the word.”
Celestine smiled shyly, “Grandpa, I haven’t thought of anything yet. Could I take some time, and when I finally figure it out, come and shamelessly ask you then?”
Alistair laughed heartily. “Of course! When I give my word, I always mean it.”
20:22
Chapter 159
Celestine felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
Alistair’s promises, she thought, carried far more weight than Chester’s empty reassurances ever could.
