Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 101

Duncan Enterprises.

Herbert strode straight toward Celeste's office, ignoring the assistant's protests as he flung open the door.

The door slammed hard against the wall with a dull thud.

Startled, employees in the middle of their reports froze, eyes wide in shock.

Only Celeste remained unfazed.

"If my own father is barging in without a shred of courtesy, I can only assume you've run into trouble again?" she said, raising an eyebrow as she signaled for everyone else to leave.

The doors shut behind the last retreating employee.

Herbert, breathless and agitated, wasted no time. "You hurt Mr. Robertson's girlfriend. Now he wants you to apologize in person!"

"I don't care about whatever issues you and Philip have had before, but he just secured the Silvercrest Emporium deal from Jasper. If you swallow your pride and apologize, the Robertson Group will let us in on the profits."

"You're coming with me to apologize to Viola—now, immediately!"

He reached out, trying to seize Celeste by the wrist.

She sidestepped him with ease. "I'm not going."

"You're not going?!" Herbert's voice grew shrill with disbelief. "Do you have any idea how much money is on the table with Silvercrest? If we could just—"

He didn't even finish.

Celeste stood, both palms braced on her desk, fixing Herbert with a cool, unwavering stare.

"Jasper is busy sweet-talking Beverly and trying to get the Hopkins family's heirlooms away from me. Now, even though he knows I've had issues with the Robertson Group, he's pushing them forward on purpose. Jasper is gunning for me because he can't stand Alfred supporting me."

"Alfred still holds the reins at the Hopkins estate. So, Father, if you do exactly what Jasper wants, tell me—what does that get the Duncan family? Philip knows all about the Hopkins family feud; he's seen me with Alfred. If he's dragging me into this, it's just so he can play both sides."

Viola, watching Philip intently from the bed, noticed his expression and gripped the bedsheet in anger.

So he really does want to see Celeste! All this talk of partnership—nothing but an excuse!

Herbert, noticing Philip's distracted look, assumed he was annoyed Celeste hadn't come. He tried to smooth things over.

"Mr. Robertson, since you've come all this way to Asterwynn to work with Duncan Enterprises, our family really should show some hospitality. If you have time, please come to dinner at our home. Our chef's been with us for over a decade—always cooks to Cece's taste. I'll make sure she's there this evening to apologize to you personally."

Herbert figured once Celeste was home and seated at the table, she'd have no choice but to make amends.

At those words, Philip's eyes brightened as he turned to Herbert. "Absolutely."

Viola's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly grabbed Philip's sleeve, about to protest.

Before she could say a word, Philip—thinking she was just nervous about being alone in the hospital—patted her hand reassuringly.