Chapter 167
“You flatter me, Miss Langley.” Celestine hefted the gift bag with a graceful smile, glancing back over her shoulder. “There’s nothing calculating about paying for what you love. Honestly, you’re incredible–I can’t help but envy you.”
“Celestine! Just you wait!” Elena shrieked, pounding her cane furiously against the
floor.
The sales associate shrank further into the corner, desperately willing her face not to betray the grin tugging at her lips.
As soon as Celestine stepped out of the boutique, her smile faded.
Chester’s charm always seemed to attract admirers out of nowhere. Over the years, there had been countless women like Elena–entitled, persistent, convinced the world owed them something. And for the sake of the Fordham family’s reputation,
Celestine had endured it all.
But if someone insisted on dancing right in her minefield, she had no reason to keep playing nice.
She waited for the elevator, and a group of leggy, glamorous models emerged, chattering excitedly.
“Oh my God, Mr. Fordham is just the perfect gentleman! Why can’t I ever meet a guy like that?”
“I know, right? The minute Miss Sinclair so much as glanced at something, he bought up the whole collection! He’s like a storybook hero–rich, handsome, and completely devoted.“.
“I bet he dropped at least a million today, and that’s not even counting the custom jewelry for Miss Sinclair!”
“Ugh, all the good men are already taken! Still, I’m not complaining–if only more generous patrons like him came along.”
Their laughter and gossip faded as they strutted away.
Celestine stood frozen, lost in thought. It was strange how different the truth could sound, depending on whose lips told it.
Joanna could betray Chester in the worst way, and yet he’d still love her, forgive her, spoil her. A million dollars was nothing to him–just a few dresses for Joanna. Meanwhile, Celestine was left to handle the fallout of Chester’s reckless
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affections.
She blinked hard, trying to disguise the burning in her eyes, but the ache in her chest refused to dissipate.
In all her years married to Chester, she’d only ever asked him for money once: a diamond to embellish her wedding gown.
He had been far from pleased, accusing her of being wasteful and extravagant. Though he eventually gave in, she never asked for another penny.
People always questioned how she, of all people, became Mrs. Fordham. But she wanted to ask–why did she have to endure all this?
Now, even her freedom was something she’d have to claw back, inch by inch.
Why?
Celestine contacted a divorce attorney, asking what the chances were of reclaiming assets Chester had spent on other women during their marriage.
The answer came quickly.
Satisfied, Celestine allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. She gathered her composure and took the elevator to the rooftop restaurant.
It was a lush, atmospheric place–a garden bistro high above the city. Gideon had arrived early and texted her the table number.
Entering, she immediately spotted his tall, poised figure. She greeted him and sat across from him.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said.
Gideon glanced at her, expression unreadable. “Not at all. I just got here myself.”
“Perfect. Let’s order, then.” Celestine nodded and waved over the waiter.
“Good evening, madam, sir. To celebrate the arrival of spring, our chef has prepared a special new entrée–cherry blossom risotto. If you’re interested, I can add it to your order.”
Celestine hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. “What other specialties do you recommend?”
The waiter beamed. “Of course. We also have lobster braised with pineapple, chilled salmon with colorful peppers, and our house specialty–steak flambé with a splash of vintage brandy.”
Chapter 167
Celestine choked on her water.
Gideon raised an amused eyebrow. “Such familiar flavors–almost nostalgic,
wouldn’t you say?”
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