Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 103

Evening at the Duncan household.

Celeste returned home, footsteps cutting through the last rays of sunset.

As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted the man sitting alone on the sofa.

Philip looked sharp in his dress shirt and slacks, sleeves rolled up to reveal a strong forearm and a gold watch. He watched her silently.

Sunset bled in through the windows, painting the floor in crimson hues, as if separating the two of them into different worlds.

A hush settled over the room.

Herbert stepped forward to smooth things over, putting on a show of gentleness as he took Celeste's coat and hung it up for her.

Celeste eyed her father's out-of-character behavior, slipping a hand into her pocket.

In truth, Herbert used the moment to whisper to her, his voice low.

"We're about to partner with the Robertson Group. You're bound to run into them sooner or later, so the sooner you apologize, the better. It'll make things easier down the line."

"I refuse. I told you—I don't want to get mixed up with him any more than I have to."

Celeste had no intention of saving Herbert's pride. She turned to leave.

Herbert grabbed her arm.

"Don't be ridiculous! All you have to do is have dinner with Philip, apologize, and secure this deal. After that, you can do whatever you want at Duncan Enterprises!"

"And besides, isn't Philip your ex? You spent years with him—what's a few more dinners to help your father? Stop being stubborn! Or do you want your ex to watch you make a fool of yourself? Use your history, and get that contract for me!"

Herbert grew angrier as he spoke, dragging Celeste toward the living room.

Celeste stumbled.

Philip shot up from the sofa, instinctively reaching out—even though he was still far away.

Celeste steadied herself, shot Herbert a glare, then noticed Amanda and her daughter standing off to the side, clearly eager for some drama. Celeste smirked coldly, fished out her phone, and tapped the screen.

Herbert's words from a moment before played back, clear as day.

"Use your history..."

As the recording echoed through the room, Herbert's face darkened—she'd recorded him!

"N-no, that's not what we meant! Celeste is just being difficult—she must've spliced that recording together to make trouble, it's all nonsense!"

"Celeste, apologize to Mr. Robertson right now."

Celeste didn't budge.

"Father, you must really be getting old. Can't even remember what you said just moments ago?"

"You—you ungrateful girl!"

Realizing he couldn't smooth things over, Herbert exploded. "You've forgotten who you are! How did the Duncan family end up with a daughter like you? Beverly, fetch the cane! I'll show this brat who's in charge in this house!"

"On it—!"

Beverly quickly returned with a heavy wooden ruler, two fingers wide and thick.

A single strike would leave a bruise. Three or four might break the skin.

Beverly handed the cane over, eyes glittering with malice.

"Sis, there's still time to apologize to Dad, before this comes down on you. Otherwise, I promise—it'll hurt like hell."