Chapter 17
Journalists were starting to arrive one by one, but Celeste was nowhere to be seen.
Does that bitch take the money and just ditch? If she dares try that, I’ll charge her with fraud and send her to jail. Definitely, Chloe thought.
Celeste checked her phone and noticed it was almost right of lock. The press conference was about to begin, but there was no way she could get there by then. And the only way was to change the time.
“Ti tied sip at the moment, so I won’t make it by eight, Let’s move it to noon, Celeste said.
Hearing this, Chloe shot back, “What? Change it to noon? You’re kidding, right? I’ve told every reporter to come at eight for the press conference, and now you want to change the time?
“How will that make me look? Like some washed–up celebrity throwing a tantrum and keeping them waiting! This could ruin my reputation even more! What am I supposed to do then?”
I’m only going there to sabotage fier anyway, so why is she worried about her reputation? Celeste thought.
keeping her voice flat, Celeste replies, “I don’t care about your reputation. All I know is I won’t be there by eight.”
Frustrated, Chloe responded, “You promised you’d be here by eight. Why are you suddenly saying you can’t make it?
“Ah! I know it! Are you doing this on purpose to ruin me? How can you be so mean? So heartless?”
Before Chloe could hurl more accusations, Celeste hung up and turned to Marcus, saying, “Mr. Hale, I have something I need to take care of, and I might not be able to get back until the afternoon. Will you be alright here on your own?”
“Til manage. Marcus replied.
Then Celeste put her phone away. After picking up breakfast for Marcus from downstairs and leaving it at his bedside, she left the hospital.
Celeste had her exam at
T exam at Crestwood College at nine, so her next stop was to finish that before heading to o Chloe’s press conference.
As Celeste put on her mask and walked to the parking garage to get her car, a cry for help echoed through the air. “Help! Somebody, help!”
Normally, Celeste didn’t involve herself in other people’s business, but then she heard a man’s voice shouting the name “Reth Wells.”
“Could it be the Beth Ive been impersonating?‘ Celeste wondered. With a surge of curiosity, she started her car and drove toward the
sound.
Beth was on the ground, surrounded by several men who were kicking and punching her. Without hesitating, Celeste hit the gas and drove straight toward the group
The men flew to the ground, momentarily stunned, but before they could react, Celeste revved her engine and charged again.
Soon, they scrambled to their feet and ran off as fast as they could, casting glances back as they ran. The leader muttered, That woman must be insane! Charging at us like a maniac!
Once the men were gone, Celeste parked her car in front of Heth, who was bruised and battered, and got out to check on her. “Are you alright?” she asked.
Sitting on the ground, her hospital scrubs covered in shoe prints, Beth raised her hand to wipe blood from her nose and replied, “No, I’m definitely not alright”
Beth’s just parked her bike when a group of men appeared from the shadows suddenly. They’d threatened her, demanding she quit her Job at the hospital. When Beth refused, they started to attack her.
“Ive been working hard at the hospital, minding my own business. Why do they come after me? And why are they forcing me to quit?‘ Beth wondered.
Noticing the blood dripping from Beth’s nose, Celeste knelt, tilting her head back and dabbing at her face. “Why did those men attack you?”
10:31 AM & d
Chapter 17
“They wanted me to resign Beth replied with a trembling voice. “And when I refused, they started beating me.”
Quit her job? Can this be Isolde’s doing? Celeste wondered, recalling how Isolde had pressured her to leave her position the day before. But since they don’t recognize Beth, they go after her instead, thinking she’s me.‘
So, the one they want to beat is me? And they also think I’m Beth? Celeste thought, feeling a pang of guilt. If it weren’t for my run–in with Isolde, Beth wouldn’t have been dragged into this mess.
Once Beth’s nosebleed subsided, Celeste helped her stand, continuing. “Aside from your nose, are you hurt anywhere else?”
Beth shook her head. “I mean, nothing serious. They just kicked me around a lot. And now, my whole body aches.”
Hearing this, Celeste felt even more remorseful. “Do you want me to take you to the hospital to get checked out?” she said softly.
Beth declined. “No, thanks. I’ll be fine after resting a bit. Thank you for stepping in
Celeste knew she owed Beth this much. After all, Beth had only gotten hurt because of her. Then she said, “You don’t need to thank me. I’ve got an exam to get to, so I can’t stay here.
“But take my number. If you feel unwell or need anything, call me. I’ll make sure to help however I can.”
Beth was surprised by this, thinking, “Why does she give me her number and help me? She asked curiously, “Miss, shouldn’t be the ones taking responsibility for what happened to me! You’re just the one who saved me, not the one who hurt me
But y
you only got hurt because of me, Celeste thought. Not wanting to explain further, she wrote down her number and handed it to Beth. Then she got back in her car, leaving her standing there, bewildered.
those
guys
When Celeste arrived at Crestwood College, it was already half an hour later. It was the weekend, and aside from some boarding students, there were hardly any people in the school.
After showing her exam notice, Celeste made her way to the president’s office, where several other students were waiting.
When Celeste walked in, all eyes were on her. Because she was wearing a mask, it made everyone look at her with curiosity.
The president raised an eyebrow and asked, “Miss, if you’re here to take an exam, why the mask?
“Wearing a mask can help avoid unnecessary distractions, like people staring or trying to chat me up, Celeste thought.
Celeste simply replied, “I don’t remember Crestwood College having a rule against wearing masks”
Momentarily taken aback, the president responded, “There’s no such rule, but if you’re wearing a mask, how do I confirm your identity?”
Celeste mustered, “Fine, and removed the mask reluctantly. The moment her face was revealed, every gaze in the room locked on her, unable to look away.
What a stunning woman! everyone seemed to think. ‘Her delicate features are as flawless as a porcelain doll’s.
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色
AD
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