The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 23

Celia's face drained of color.

—She knew exactly what this was. Talbot was threatening her.

He had always known how much Grandpa valued him, never doubting a single word he said.

He also knew the extent of Grandpa's illness. Right now, aside from his immediate family, Talbot was one of the only people Grandpa still recognized.

Talbot was exploiting that exact vulnerability, calling Grandpa to blackmail her.

"I understand. I'll go check on him."

Without another word, Celia made her way to her grandfather's first-floor bedroom.

Sheridan Stafford was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring blankly ahead, his eyes unfocused.

Approaching quietly, Celia spoke to the old man in a gentle voice. "Grandpa?"

Sheridan's pupils slowly focused, his gaze landing on Celia.

He was still clutching the phone he had just used for the call.

A flash of hostility flickered in Celia's eyes.

Seeing her, the old man blinked in surprise before a warm, loving smile spread across his face.

"Celia's here? Come, come, sit down!"

Gesturing to the empty spot on the bed beside him, Sheridan ushered her over.

Celia forced a smile and sat down obediently beside him.

"Are you tired lately, sweetheart? Alfred told me you've been busy with graduation."

Sheridan had forgotten many things. He remembered Celia, his beloved granddaughter, but the details of her life were slipping away.

Keeping the smile on her lips, Celia nodded. "I'm not tired, Grandpa. The university said my thesis was graded as excellent."

"That's my brilliant girl!" Sheridan's eyes sparkled with pride.

Pausing, the old man's smile faded slightly. He hesitated for a long time before asking cautiously, "Celia... are things not going well for you at school lately?"

Pausing, she explained earnestly, "I'll make it right. You don't have to worry."

Hearing her say that, Sheridan finally smiled. He patted her head, his tone loving and tender. "My Celia is all grown up. Grandpa doesn't have to worry about a thing."

...

After coaxing him to sleep, Celia finally stepped out of the bedroom.

The moment the door clicked shut, the sweet smile vanished from her face.

She narrowed her eyes, pulled out her phone, and accepted Evelyn's fifth friend request.

The second it went through, a barrage of messages flooded in.

They were screenshots of Evelyn's thesis. She had dumped every single section she didn't understand right into Celia's chat.

Counting roughly, there were over a dozen images.

After sending the pictures, Evelyn sent just one sentence.