Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

I paused and let that sit.

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“So what exactly happened?” I went on. “Initially, I thought maybe your husband felt guilty that he separated you from us after so many years and opened a much better Jab for you. I also thought you put in a good word for us out of love and that was why your husband funded our research.”

I tilted my head and looked her straight in the eye.

“But now, your words have left me confused. Tell me now, Seraphine, which one is the real fact? Because I do not know

anymore. Go on.”

She stared at me for a long moment. I could see her brain working, trying to find a way out of the hole she had dug for herself.

Finally, she muttered, “You know what? Forget it.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I am too confused. I want to know the truth. I do not want to be guilty of holding back your money if the five billion was initially meant for Ford Biosciences.”

Sera gritted her teeth. “Yes. My husband, Dominic Ford, is forgetful. He made a mistake.”

I tilted my head. “Did your husband say that?”

“He is my husband,” Sera snapped. “I know him. I know how he thinks. I know exactly when he has made a mistake.”

I sighed. “But if it was because your husband forgot he had opened a new lab for you, how come your name did not reflect in the contract that was signed?”

She raised her brows.

I ignored her expression and pressed on. “I signed the contract earlier today. Under the space where the lab owners should be, only my name and Pat’s name were mentioned. I did not see your name anywhere.” I looked at her steadily. “Could your husband have forgotten your name as well? Since you say he is a forgetful man?”

“Enough!” Sera’s voice came out loud and sharp. “You are being greedy. You just want to keep all the money.”

I put my hand over my chest, feigning an aggrieved expression. “How can you say such a thing about me, Sera? I am your best friend. I just want to understand what is going on.”

Not dramatically. Not all at once. Just a slow, quiet fall, the way real hurt moves across a face. My eyes filled. I blinked and the tears spilled over, one and then another, and I pressed my fingers to my mouth and shook my head like I could not find the words.

“I cannot believe this is what you two think of me,” I breathed, my voice breaking. “I am disappointed in both of you.”

I walked back to the armchair and sat down. Tcrossed my legs, covered my face with my hands, and pretended to cry.

But beneath my hands, I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.

Julian walked up to me. He reached for my hands and pulled them away from my face.

“I am sorry,” he murmured. Then, he turned to Sera. “You made my wife cry. Apologize.”

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