The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 71

Evelyn Morgan was locked up for three days on defamation charges.

When Celia Stafford heard the news, she felt utterly invigorated.

Talbot Forrester hadn't bothered texting her at all over the last few days. It seemed Alistair Zucker’s warning had done the trick; Talbot wouldn't dare come crawling to her for help now.

Celia hadn't exactly been idle, either. She had attended an exclusive, private auction in the Capital and successfully bid on a pair of cufflinks.

The centerpiece of the design was the imperial emerald cufflink, set in an exquisite, understated silver plating. The piece was compact and flawlessly elegant. The moment Celia laid eyes on it, she could instantly picture how it would look resting against Alistair's tailored cuffs.

Sexy, yet dangerously restrained.

Her mood was excellent.

Or rather, it would have been even better if she hadn't run into Norma Forrester at the auction.

As the event was wrapping up, Norma deliberately blocked her path.

She was carrying a painfully conspicuous designer bag, draped head-to-toe in luxury labels, and glittering with excessive jewelry. She looked like a desperate socialite trying far too hard to prove her worth.

Pulling down her designer sunglasses, Norma looked Celia up and down before her gaze landed squarely on the emerald cufflinks Celia had just won.

"Emerald cufflinks? Must have cost you a fortune, huh?" she sneered, her tone dripping with arrogant condescension.

Unless absolutely necessary, Celia strongly preferred not to speak to Norma.

It was a surefire way to kill her own brain cells.

With that thought, Celia turned slightly, attempting to step around her and keep walking.

"Celia Stafford, you stop right there!"

Furious at being ignored, Norma raised her voice and shrieked her name.

Although the auction was a small, highly exclusive affair with limited attendees, Norma's outburst still caused quite a few heads to turn.

Closing the distance between them in two quick strides, Norma didn't bother hiding the sheer mockery in her eyes. "You bought that to win my brother back, didn't you?"

Celia furrowed her brow, taking a second to process the sheer audacity of the claim.

The hospital had also reached out over the past few days, informing her that there was a promising new treatment plan for her grandfather. Celia had spent hours at the hospital going over the details with his doctor.

After a lengthy consultation, the doctor concluded that they could try a new medication regimen, which should offer far better control over his condition.

For Celia, the fact that her grandfather's condition could be stabilized was the best news she could ask for.

He had been in great spirits lately, which made Celia's heart soar.

He especially loved the rare coffee blend Alistair had gifted them, insisting on brewing a pot every other day.

When her grandfather finally ran out of the coffee, Celia saw the perfect opportunity and dialed Ken Linden's number.

"Ms. Stafford, how can I help you?" Ken picked up almost immediately, his voice brisk and professional.

"I'm so sorry to bother you," Celia said, her voice soft and apologetic. "It's just that my grandfather completely ran out of the coffee Uncle Alistair sent over. I was wondering if he happened to have any more..."

"Of course, Ms. Stafford. I'm at the office right now, but as soon as I wrap things up here, I can have some delivered to the estate."

"Oh, no, you don't have to do that," Celia laughed softly. "Actually, I prepared a thank-you gift for him. I was hoping to bring it to him in person."