He was absolutely certain–he could make her fall for him in no time at all.
And then, he’d have solid proof she’d cheated during their marriage.
Celestine was on the phone with her sister, Crystal Lennox, ranting about Lance for the entire drive home.
When she finally reached the apartment building, she paused at the entrance. “I’ll call you back. I’m home.”
Outside, Chester was waiting for her, radiating cold fury.
The moment she hung up, he strode forward, demanding, “You didn’t come home last night. Where were you?”
Celestine’s face went icy as she brushed past him and the two kids by his side.
“Celestine,” Chester called after her, hurrying to keep up. “Stop right there!”
She spun around abruptly. “Chester, what the hell does it matter to you? We’re getting divorced. Where I sleep at night is none of your business.”
Chester’s expression froze. “What happened at the church last time was an accident. Everything that’s happened recently in Portside City–I know I’ve put you through a lot. I brought the kids here today because I owe you a proper apology.”
After his grandfather woke up, Chester had been punished–made to kneel in the family chapel for a full day and night.
He’d had a lot of time to think.
Right now, what mattered most was calming Celestine down, keeping her from walking away for good.
He could quietly support Joanna from behind the scenes, giving her resources if needed. With her life managed by professional agents and PR people, she’d be fine for the time being.
This whole mess–he’d made a stupid mistake. He never should have drunk that spiked cocktail.
But what the kids had done to Celestine was even worse.
One had framed her, the other had lured her into a trap.
Chapter 227
No wonder Celestine was furious–and he was caught in the crossfire.
Still, staying out all night was crossing a line.
Didn’t she care at all about the baby she was carrying?
Chester’s gaze dropped to her stomach, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Four months along, and her belly still hadn’t started to show.
In fact, ever since coming to Portside City, she looked even thinner than when she’d left.
“And for the record, I was worried about you not coming home last night. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
He and the kids had landed in Portside City at ten last night and come straight to
the apartment.
He’d called Celestine, but she hadn’t answered.
So he’d decided to wait until morning for her to show up.
He never expected that, after all that waiting, she’d stroll in from outside at dawn–still wearing a full face of makeup.
Chester’s eyes darkened, unreadable.
He glanced at the two children, and Raymond immediately stepped forward.
“Mom, I know I was wrong,” he said, yoice choked. “I shouldn’t have jumped into the pool and gotten you in trouble. Please, don’t divorce Dad. Please?”
Celia burst into tears too. “Mom, I’m sorry! I didn’t know those people were bad–l thought they were just playing around. I didn’t know anything, I swear!”
Both kids clung to Celestine’s coat, one on each side.
Her eyes stayed cold, unmoved.
People were beginning to pass by, throwing curious glances at the little family, whispering to each other.
Chester saw her indifference and knew she was still furious.
r killed. Get
He pulled the kids close to him, lowering his voice. “You call that an apology? One of you almost ruined your mother’s reputation; the other nearly go* down on your knees–three times. You can get up when she forgives you.” The children sobbed harder, but obediently knelt and bowed their heads to
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Chapter 227
Celestine, apologizing with every breath,
Celestine’s brow furrowed. “Get up.”
“Does that mean you forgive them?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Then keep kneeling, Chester said, his tone sharp as he stood behind them.
The onlookers were starting to talk openly, pointing and whispering.
Celestine’s fists clenched, rage simmering beneath her calm exterior.
“For the last time–get up.”
Chapter 228
