Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 382

Yolande’s eyes lit up.

She had heard about the competition; it was the one Celestine had been preparing for lately.

Flossie was always bragging about how Celestine had made it to the finals all on her own.

It was impossible not to know about it.

Yolande asked tentatively, “The one Celestine is in?”

“That’s right. The competition date was changed. If you’re interested, I can get you in to compete,” Bagehot said, stroking her hair.

Yolande was overjoyed. “Uncle! I want to do it! You’re the best uncle in the world!”

“Not angry anymore?” Bagehot smiled dotingly.

“How could I be angry at you, Uncle? I love you the most…”

Yolande snuggled into Bagehot’s arms, their posture exceptionally intimate.

***

Three days later, Celestine received a notice from Bagehot sending her on a business trip to Silvermere.

“Celly, the business partner in Silvermere is proving to be a bit difficult. Violet is over there, but she can’t handle it alone. I need you to go help her out. We’ll meet up later and work out a concrete plan based on their requirements.”

Bagehot’s expression was grave.

Celestine was a little surprised.

She didn’t mind business trips, but this was the first time she’d been sent so far away.

On the other hand, she found it to be a remarkable coincidence that the trip was also to Silvermere.

Still, it was a good opportunity to take Raymond back home.

“Okay, I’ll book the flight.”

When Raymond heard he was going back, he was in the middle of arguing with Cynthia about what to cook the next day.

The color drained from his face. “Mom, is my cooking that bad? I’ve been trying so hard to learn. Please, just give me a little more time. Soon, I’ll be able to cook all your meals for you.”

These past few days, Raymond had been terrified that Celestine would bring up sending him away again.

So he had been helping with chores every day, and he figured cooking was the most effective way to win her over.

How did she find out?!

Seeing Raymond’s strange reaction, Celestine narrowed her eyes. “You already knew he was awake?”

“N-no, I’m just shocked they told you and not me!” Raymond quickly scrambled to explain, his heart pounding in panic.

Celestine didn’t press him on whether he really knew or not.

Lately, Raymond had turned the house upside down.

She was starting to wonder if this was some form of retaliation from the Fordham family.

Now that Chester was awake, all her previous assumptions were moot.

It was time for Raymond to return to Chester’s side.

That night, Raymond cried himself to sleep.

But no matter how much he cried, Celestine remained completely unmoved.