Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 104

"……"

Celeste didn't flinch.

This wasn't the first time she'd faced this kind of scene. She'd survived it before. Back then, she wasn't afraid—so why should she be now?

Herbert, frustrated by her stubborn defiance, raised his hand high. Beverly watched, eyes alight with anticipation—hit her, finish her off!

"You ungrateful child!"

Celeste's expression was ice-cold. She was just about to snatch away the ruler and leave when someone darted into her line of sight.

Philip stepped forward, taking the blow meant for her—square on the shoulder.

"You…"

Surprise flickered in Celeste's eyes.

Philip stood between her and Herbert, sweat beading at his brow from the pain. "Are you okay?"

Those words overlapped with echoes from the past.

When she'd run away from Asterwynn and struck out for Silvercrest, facing obstacles at every turn, Philip had only pulled her into his arms and asked her the same question.

When Nova International was just starting, and she had to drink her way through business dinners for Philip's sake—so much that she landed in the hospital with a bleeding stomach—he'd shown up late, and still, those were the words he offered.

Back then, he never tried to stop her from going to the next dinner.

Are you okay.

As if those three words could somehow erase everything she'd endured.

But now, she didn't need anyone to shield her. She could fight for herself.

And yet, here Philip was again—slow to arrive, but still taking the blow for her.

Did that make things right? Was everything in the past suddenly wiped clean?

A cold, brittle laugh escaped her. She didn't thank Philip for stepping in. Instead, her voice was sharp as ice.

Noticing the silence, Celeste dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, tossed it onto the table, and stood.

"You all carry on. I've seen enough of this circus. Goodnight."

"Celly!"

Philip, clutching his bruised arm, took a step after her.

Amanda, shocked that Celeste was walking away unscathed, held him back.

"Mr. Robertson, clearly she doesn't care about you. Are you alright? Let me apologize for Herbert."

"That's right! Old flames? Please. She doesn't care about you at all. She's just a cold-hearted monster!" Beverly chimed in, stoking the fire.

Celeste ignored them, striding out and slamming the door behind her—leaving their insults trapped inside.

Pulling her coat tighter, she slipped into the night, muttering under her breath, "What a racket."