She Went to Prison They Went to Pieces novel Chapter 10

Adrian's fingers, which had been tapping absently, came to a sudden halt. Those sharp, fox-like eyes turned to Celeste, and a faint glimmer of amusement danced within them.

He'd expected her to be a fragile flower that was pampered and soft. Instead, she was a wild weed that thrived in the harshest wind.

She was a woman with ambition, and one who had just managed to catch his interest.

Celeste noticed the shift in his gaze, but everything she'd said so far had been nothing but the truth.

The world had changed. If there was even the slightest chance to climb higher and to pull herself out of the mud, she would take it. Everyone—anyone—could become a stepping stone.

"I didn't expect you to be so ambitious, Ms. Morin," Adrian said while slowly rising to his feet and bracing both hands on the edge of the desk.

His eyes locked onto hers. "In that case, Damien's loss really is... unfortunate."

She offered him a cool, indifferent smile.

Damien had only ever had eyes for Lucy. If anyone was thrilled about the divorce, it was him. Only outsiders would have called it unfortunate.

"When someone's gone, the warmth fades with them," she said calmly. "In the end, it's the time shared that matters most—because when you finally reach the end, you realize the outcome was always going to be the same."

Her eyes shimmered with a quiet, aching sorrow.

Adrian didn't know the details of their marriage, nor had he cared to probe. But in every word she spoke, there was the unmistakable tone of someone letting go.

When he remained silent, Celeste turned to leave. "It's late, Mr. Wrenford. You should get some rest. I should be going."

She had just turned when his voice stopped her. "Ms. Morin."

"Yes?"

Adrian held out a business card. "Marriages in high society aren't as simple as you might think. Getting in is hard, but getting out might be even harder. If you ever need help, I'll be there."

Celeste stared at the card for a moment, surprised. She knew what he meant. After the divorce, she'd walk away with half of Damien's assets. Of course she understood.

What she didn't expect was him offering to help.

He noticed her hesitation and added, "I have the best legal team in the business. If it comes to that, you can come to me."

"Thank you, Mr. Wrenford." After a brief pause, she reached out and took the card.

Adrian spoke again. "You don't seem fully recovered. Would you like a driver?"

"No need." She glanced back at him, and her striking eyes softened just a little under the glow. "It's easier to get a cab here than at the Wrenford residence. I'll manage."

Before he could respond, Celeste was already heading toward the door.

As Adrian watched her retreating figure, a slight curve touched his lips. He knew very well—she wouldn't come to him easily. Still, he gave her the card anyway.

Because people who could catch his interest were rare. Her footsteps faded into the distance. Then, the phone on his desk buzzed.

Adrian picked it up.

Joshua's voice came through the line. "Mr. Wrenford, we've looked into the emerald sculpture you wanted repaired.

"According to experts, the only person capable of restoring it is Shelley Davidson. But she's been off the grid for three years. It's as if she vanished into thin air. No one's been able to contact her."