Chapter 33
Celeste was exhausted. While Amars bussed herself picking out masks, Celeste didn’t bother staying to help.
went upstairs, took a hot shower, and sprawled on the couch to check the messages Nora had sent her.
After reading the
she grabbed her bag and got ready to leave.
noticed and asked “Celeste, you just got back. Where are you heading now?”
Dinner plans. I won’t be back too late. Celeste replied.
mara’s curiosity was piqued. “Is it with a man or a woman?”
Celeste chuckled. “A woman‘
Amara hesitated before bringing up something else. “Celeste, I’ve been meaning to ask… do you have a boyfriend?
Celeste shook her head with a
ra paused, choosing her words carefully: “Well When your grandfather was alive, he arranged a marriage for you. At first, since dnnd you, we thought it best to call it off rather than keep the other family waiting.
youre back. I was thinking maybe you should meet him. If you two get along, great. If not, we’ll break off the and you’ll be free to choose whoever you like.”
This was the Erst Celested heard of it. Celeste looked at Amara and replied calmly, “Okay”
She had
attachment to this so–called fiance, but since the family had arranged it, it wouldn’t be right to cancel it without even meeting the guy.
Amara had expected resistance–maybe frustration or outright refusal. Instead, Celeste agreed so easily, showing complete trust in her. Celece was so understanding, so considerate–it only made Amara love her more.
“Don’t worry, Celeste if you don’t think hes the right fit, your father and I will fully support breaking off the engagement,” Amara
Celeste nodded and told Amara she was heading out before stepping out the door.
By the time she arrived at the upscale restaurant where Nora was waiting, an hour had passed. After parking, she removed her mask and stepped inside.
The staurant exuded luxury, its elegant atmosphere clearly catering to the city’s elite.
Celece couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Nora wanted from this meeting
hat thought, she walked in and spotted Nora already seated, studying her.
Celeste approached the table, set her bag down, and took a seat. Nora offered a polite smile. “Order whatever you’d like.”
the
nu toward Celeste. Celeste picked it up and skimmed through it. The
e entire
menu was in a foreign language.
a foreign language. I imagine you might
bout to decide. Nora spoke again. “This is a special restaurant. Everything’s in a for derstand the menu Would you like me to order for you?”
Crinte glanced up, amusement flickering in her eyes. That won’t be necessary” She signaled for the waiter and, in fluent language. ordered several dishes with ease. That’ll be all for now Thank you”
odded politely. “Of course, maam. Then, she turned to Nora. “And for you, madam?”
processing what had just happened.
wight. Trolde und this girl was incompetent and that she was barely educated. But now she seems nothing like that at all out of it. Nora ordered a steak and returned her gaze to Celeste “Miss Sinclair, your foreign language is quite good”
10.35 AM ₫ ɖt ·
Chapter 33
Celeste ned “Thank you”
Nora took a sip
offer, and then asked, “Do you l
know how fluent my son is in the foreign language?“
Celeste had no interest in knowing. She remained silent, waiting for Nora to continue:
My son needed to conduct business overseas, so he studied multiple languages” Nora’s gaze sharpened slightly. Judging by your level. though… Udon’t think you’re quite a match for bu?
Celeste was at a loss for wonds”
She seems to have misunderstood me. I don’t want to be worthy of Marcus at all; Geleste thought.
“Mrs. Hale, I don’t even like your son, Celeste said evenly. “So I don’t see why I need to be good enough”
Nora raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced “You’re lying. My son is outstanding. How could you possibly not be interested in him?”
Celeste sighed. She wouldn’t deny that Marcus was impressive, but that didn’t mean she had to like him.
She took a sip of water and replir casually. “Mr. Halle is indeed exceptional, but he’s just not my type. I have no interesti in him Nora’s expression darkened. “If you don’t like him, then why do you always dress up and throw yourself at him?”
Celeste nearly choked. “Throw myself at him? Dress up? Serious?“.
No matter what Celeste did, Nora seemed determined to twist it into something scandalous.
She finally said, “Mrs. Hale, I wear the most lasic clothes every day. I don’t even put on makeup. Do I really look like someone t seduce your MOR?”
ce with no makeup. And yet Celeste was still stunning.
Nora instinctively glanced at Celeste’s face with n
trying to
Setting down her coffee, Nora’s voice took on a sharper edge. “So what you’re saying is, you’ve never had any intention of getting close to my son
Celeste nodded without hesitation “That’s right. Not once,”
“Then quit your job, Nora replied quickly.
Nora pulled a check from her bag and slid it across the table. “You’re only working as his caretaker because you need the money, right? Here–take this. It’s more than enough. Walk away from my son.”
Celeste glanced down at the check–300 thousand dollars–then let out a slow, knowing smile.
Without a word, she tore the check into pieces and tossed it into the trash. Celeste explained, “Mrs. Hale, whether you believe me or not, I never took the job for money. I only did it because Mr. Hale once saved my life.
Tm simply repaying that debt. If you don’t believe me, then let me make you a promise–once he’s discharged, I’ll leave on my own. You won’t have to worry about me ever again.”
For the first time, Nora hesitated. There was something about Celeste’s unwavering tone that made her want to believe her.
son’s discharge.
By
Finally, after a long pause, Nora exhaled, “Fine. I’ll trust you just this once. Three days from now, I’ll arrange my s then, I want you pour
Celeste smiled. “Of course With that, she turned her attention to the steak that had just arrived.
Nora hail expected her to be too ranled to eat. But to her surprise, Celeste calmly picked up her knife and fork and started cutting into her steak –her movements precise, elegant, and relined.
She handled her stensils with such natural grace that, for a moment, Nora found herself doulating everything Isolde had said.
Celeste didn’t carry herself like someone from a struggling background. If anything, she had the poise of someone who had been raised
10:35 am ₫ ch
