At the sound of her name, Celestine looked up, her lashes fluttering as she studied the artwork on display.
Crystal Lennox arched a brow and said, “The Prescott Group has been pouring resources into developing a fresh, modern Western design line these past two years–from jewelry to fashion. That’s your specialty, Celly. Come back.”
Celestine knew all about the Prescott Group. Their rapid rise in the business world, especially in manufacturing and design, was the talk of the city.
Their head, Lucian Prescott, was young but already infamous for his ruthless ambition and sharp vision.
It didn’t surprise Celestine that Crystal wanted to team up with the Prescotts and carve out a niche in modern Western design.
But… could she really go back?
She was still lost in thought when Serena’s brisk, haughty voice rang out from nearby.
“Celestine? Shouldn’t you be looking after Mom? What are you doing here?”
Serena was Chester’s younger sister–and a golden girl at Capital University.
Ever since Celestine had married into the Fordham family, Serena had treated her with little more than cold indifference.
She’d always looked down on women like Celestine–those who, in her eyes, relied on their husbands, played house, and accomplished nothing of real worth.
Celestine hadn’t expected to run into Serena here, of all places. She didn’t bother to explain much. “Just having a look around.”
‘The pieces here have real artistic value. Even the simplest design would be wasted on you. My brother and Celia are coming back soon–you’d do better to focus on them,” Serena replied icily.
From Serena’s perspective, Celestine might have had an impressive degree and a knack for design before marrying into the Fordhams, but at the end of the day, she was a nobody.
Women who only knew how to depend on men–what real abilities could they possibly have?
Celestine stood frozen, her thoughts spinning.
Chester was coming back?
Her fingers curled slightly, a sour ache flickering through her chest.
They were heading for divorce, true, but for him to return with the children–without so much as telling her in advance–it was clear how little she meant to him now, the former Mrs. Fordham.
Serena clearly didn’t see any reason to keep talking. She started to leave, but then remembered
1/3
14:00
something her mother had been craving for ages.
“And while you’re at it, make some of that whitebait for Mom, will you? It’s not like you’re busy, and your cooking’s at least passable.”
The order slipped out as carelessly as ever.
In the past, Celestine would have agreed without hesitation. Back then, eager for the Fordham family’s approval, she’d done anything they asked–no matter how complicated the request, if Dahlia wanted it, Celestine made it happen.
But now? She just didn’t care anymore.
“Sorry, I have things to do. Ask the cook to take care of it,” she replied calmly.
Serena’s brows shot together, annoyance flickering in her eyes.
This was the first time Celestine had ever refused her.
Busy? What on earth could Celestine possibly be busy with?
Just then, someone approached Serena, having witnessed their exchange.
“Serena, who was that woman?” the newcomer asked.
Serena barely glanced Celestine’s way. “Just an acquaintance. No need to bother with her.”
A bitter smile tugged at Celestine’s lips.
To Serena, she was nothing more than a stranger. And to Chester, she’d never really mattered. All these years in the Fordham household–giving everything, losing herself–she’d ended up worth less than a housekeeper.
Once Serena was gone, Celestine turned to Crystal Lennox. “I’ll think about what you said. It’s just… I haven’t worked in design for so long. I hope I won’t let you down.”
Crystal finally looked relieved, grinning slyly. “Come on, you were the talk of the scene, the famous smile. Don’t sell yourself short.”
For the first time in ages, a faint smile flickered in Celestine’s eyes.
Maybe it really was time to take her life back.
That evening.
Chester flew back to Oceanview City with the children–and Joanna in tow.
Once home, he took the kids for a visit to the family’s old manor.
Dahlia, as usual, was full of complaints. “It’s been a week and she hasn’t visited once. I haven’t been eating or sleeping well, and my skin’s gone downhill.”
She’d grown used to Celestine’s care over the years.
When Celestine was around, she’d scent Dahlia’s pillows with lavender to help her sleep, not to
2/3
14.09
Chappler‘
mention preparing every meal to her tastes
But this fire, since coming back, Celestine hadn’t visited the old house in 2
Chester barely registered the complaints, scoting his mothe ingress 11 hire a few more staff for you, it’ll be the same
The same? Caffia frowned, dearly dissatisfied
How could it possibly be the same? Celestine’s only real skill was fussing over others and now she couldn’t even be bothered to care for her own mothe n–aw
Still, Dahlia swallowed her fostation and nodded, unwilling to hurt her sons featings
After that, the group returned to the main house
As the housekeeper had said, Celestine had taken all her belongings. Even the childrens rooms
ch she used to decorate so wenly, now felt cold and encry
ter barely notic
Let Celestine sul if she wanted to. Did she actually excect him to beg her to come back?
Raymond, howevres, locked downcast He hadn’t seen his mother in so long
Was Mom angry? After Cella had blocked her number, Mom hadhit even thed to call from a mes
one
Lost in fought, be barely noticed cella tugging eagerly at Joanne’s hand as she pleaded with Cheste
Daddy, can Miss Joanna stay in Monts old room? She needs sunlight, and that’s the brightest room in the house now that Mon’s gone!
Aside from the master bedroom and the kids rooms, only the guest room–Celestine’s old contadeorf ertiga
Chapter 10
