All eyes darted back and forth between Celestine and Chester, disbelief etched on every face.
In the crowd, Carmen had been about to step forward and strike up a calculated conversation, only to be caught off guard when Chester suddenly called out. A wave of jealousy washed over her as she glared at Celestine.
How could someone like Celestine possibly know such an extraordinary man?
What did she ever do to deserve this?
Chester’s gaze landed on the petite figure in the crowd. It had been ages since he’d last seen Celestine, not since that evening at the restaurant.
His voice came out dry and strained. “Celestine, why did you hang up on me?”
“Sorry, I thought it was a spam call.” Celestine shrugged, nonchalant.
Chester’s fists tightened as he pressed on, his words loaded with accusation. “Even if you’ve been discharged, you’re not allowed to stop your medication. And Celia–thanks to your lack of discipline, she’s completely out of control now. She’s even refusing to eat!”
Celestine’s fingers dug into her palm until her knuckles turned white.
What’s happened to her daughter?
No. She couldn’t go back–not now.
A cool smile played at her lips. “So what? What’s that got to do with me? Just because I’m her mother, does that mean she doesn’t have a father?”
“Celestine, do you have to talk to me like this? I’m trying to have a civilized conversation.”
“Oh? Am I not speaking English?”
“What will it take for you to come home and take care of Celia? Name your terms.”
Chester finally relented, disappointment flickering in his clear eyes.
After all these years of uneasy peace, why did everything have to unravel now?
Women–always so complicated.
“So you want me to give up a promising career and a bright future, just to become a
full–time, live–in nanny for your kid?” Celestine’s voice was calm and steady, but her words were like a splash of cold water.
The younger colleagues nearby, who had been daydreaming about domineering CEOS and whirlwind romances, snapped back to reality in an instant.
A nanny? No way.
Chester’s brow furrowed deeply. “Celestine, can’t you be reasonable for once? Do you have to say things like that? For six years, you’ve done exactly this, and you never complained. What’s changed?”
“Maybe I’m just tired of always being the one who loses out.” Celestine’s laugh was sharp and bitter.
All she wanted was to get her life back on track.
But in his eyes, that made her unreasonable.
A wave of bitterness swept over her.
If someone actually wanted the thankless job of being a full–time nanny, they were welcome to it.
She steadied herself and said pointedly, “Look, if you want me back, it’s not impossible. But you’re the mighty CEO of Fordham Group–surely you can offer me something in return.”
Chester’s eyes darkened. “How much?”
“Fifty million.” She held up five fingers.
The crowd gasped, jaws dropping all around.
Chester was silent for a long moment before he finally conceded. “If I pay you, does that mean you’ll stop fighting me?”
So this was what she’d been angling for all along–money.
Fine. If that’s what it took for peace, he’d pay.
But if she ever stirred up trouble again, he wouldn’t let it slide.
Celestine’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Of course. Pay me five million every month, and I promise I’ll never cause any trouble.”
“What did you say?” Chester’s voice dropped, his eyes narrowing. “Five million. Every month?”
Chapter 65
Did she think he printed money for a living?
“What’s wrong, Mr. Fordham?” Celestine replied, feigning innocence. “Can’t afford it? If not, let’s not waste each other’s time–let’s just sign the divorce papers.”
Chester’s handsome face darkened. “Celestine, are you playing games with me?”
He finally saw it–she never intended to negotiate in good faith.
“You think I’d pay that much? Is this a joke to you?!”
Celestine lowered her eyes, pretending not to understand a word.
Suddenly, a voice piped up from the crowd. “If she won’t do it, I will!”
