The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY novel Chapter 54

Chapter 2

Nathaniel had invited the Stellar Corporation executives to an exclusive business mixer at the city’s most prestigious private club.

As the lead project coordinator, I was naturally in attendance.

What I hadn’t expected was finding Celeste there as well.

She wore an absurdly inappropriate sailor outfit, clinging to Nathaniel’s side like expensive perfume.

While I discussed project specifications, Nathaniel nodded approvingly at my proposals.

Apparently feeling neglected, Celeste chimed in with honey–sweet sarcasm:

“Miss Ashford is so incredibly talented–managing to secure such massive deals for Nathaniel.”

“I don’t suppose you accomplished that by drinking these gentlemen under the table? How generous of you to sacrifice so much for our company.”

Her words landed like a bomb in the private dining room, creating immediate silence.

I responded calmly: “Miss Clearwater, you’re too kind. Project success depends on Mr. Blackthorne’s leadership, these executives‘ vision, and our team’s professional expertise.”

Celeste’s smile turned predatory: “Oh, I’m sure there’s more to it than meets the eye. Someone as… capable as you must have extensive experience being… handled.”

“You must have an impressive tolerance for alcohol. Stop playing coy and toast these gentlemen properly.”

Her crude innuendos crossed every line of professionalism–this wasn’t just immaturity, it was sheer stupidity!

Nathaniel’s brow furrowed: “Celeste, that’s enough.”

She stamped her foot petulantly, raising a wine glass toward ine:

“Nathaniel honey, you’re protecting this vixen! Making her drink a few toasts shouldn’t be such a big deal!”

With that, she “accidentally” let her hand tremble, spilling the entire contents across my chest.

The ice–cold liquid instantly soaked through the fabric, creating an unmistakably revealing silhouette.

She gasped in mock horror, barely suppressing her malicious grin:

“Oh Miss Ashford, how clumsy of me! I’m so terribly sorry.”

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 2

“But since you’ll be entertaining these gentlemen anyway, getting a little wet just adds to the ambiance.”

Her thinly veiled insults and accusations cut deep, as if I were some desperate escort instead of a respected

executive.

Everyone assumed Nathaniel and I shared something beyond friendship but short of romance.

Only I knew the truth–I genuinely considered him a trusted ally, someone I could depend on completely.

I’d worked months of all–nighters when the company faced Bankruptcy, drinking myself into stomach hemorrhages

to secure investments.

He’d risked his life fighting through earthquake evacuation crowds to reach me during that disastrous business trip.

Even my father was amazed that someone as naturally suspicious as me could trust another person so completely.

And now, he hadn’t once intervened to stop Celeste’s degrading behavior.

I stared down at the mess across my chest, my expression turning glacial.

Several business partners attempted to defuse the situation:

“Miss Clearwater, the joke has gone too far. Miss Ashford is our valued partner, not entertainment.”

“Mr. Blackthorne, your staff needs better management.”

“Miss Ashford is the kind of talent we’d kill to recruit. Mr. Blackthorne, you’d better treasure her.”

Instead of the mockery Celeste had anticipated, everyone was affirming my professionalism.

I looked up at her and smiled coldly:

“Since Miss Clearwater wants to play drinking games, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

I signaled the server to bring two crystal tumblers and pour generous servings of their finest single malt whiskey.

Watching me down the full tumbler of aged single malt without so much as a wince, Celeste’s face went pale with

shock.

I slid the second glass of whiskey toward her: “Your turn. Supply Miss Clearwater can handle a little Macallan?”

I’d been sampling my father’s private whiskey collection since I was old enough to reach the decanter in his study.

This premium scotch might as well have been water.

Nathaniel shot me a disapproving look, murmuring:

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 2

“Miss Ashford, don’t be ridiculous. Not everyone has your legendary tolerance.”

The moment those words left his mouth, I knew he was choosing to protect Celeste.

I set down my glass and nodded politely to the executives:

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to touch up my makeup.”

Celeste followed me into the ladies‘ room:

“Isabella, you must be seething with jealousy! You’ve devoted all this time to Nathaniel and still can’t win his heart–you’re nothing but a convenient outlet for his physical needs!”

When I didn’t bother responding, Celeste flew into a rage and tried to shove me to the ground.

I instinctively stepped aside, and she stumbled into empty air–then raised her hand and slapped herself across the

face!

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