Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 106

Philip's anxious gaze was left far behind as the car glided smoothly out of the quiet suburbs and into the bustling heart of the city.

Inside the car, a hush settled between them. Only then did Celeste belatedly turn her head.

"Mr. Alfred," she asked, her voice gentle but uncertain, "how did you happen to be passing by the Duncan residence just now?"

Alfred's face was half-shrouded in the shadowy interior, his eyes reflecting Celeste's own. His reply was calm, almost grave. "I wasn't just passing by. I came here for you."

"For me?" Celeste arched an eyebrow, suspicion flickering in her gaze. "Did something happen?"

She couldn't help but wonder—had news traveled so fast? Had word already reached Alfred that Jasper had helped Philip clinch the deal, and that the Duncan family was about to partner with Philip? Was Alfred, her so-called ally, stopping by just to put her in her place?

Her posture straightened, eyes sharpening with new seriousness.

Alfred cleared his throat. "Your stepmother called my family. She said that ever since you became Mrs. Hopkins, you've been acting above everyone else."

He didn't flinch as he continued. "She accused you of upsetting your father so badly he landed in the hospital, said you were disrespectful to your own flesh and blood. She claims she can't control you anymore, so now she wants my grandfather to step in and teach you a lesson."

A shadow crossed Celeste's eyes. Amanda and Herbert—nothing if not troublemakers. They couldn't handle her, so now they wanted the Hopkins family to intervene?

But… Alfred really had come, after all.

She lifted her gaze, hiding any trace of emotion. "So, Mr. Alfred, are you here to call me to account?"

Alfred met her cool stare, his lips barely moving. "My grandfather asked me to check in on you," he answered quietly. "And yes, he does want you to come back with me."

Derek's word was law in the Hopkins family. Not even Alfred could refuse him—and as Mrs. Hopkins, Celeste certainly couldn't refuse either.

The Duncans were notoriously old-fashioned, and the Hopkins had no shortage of rules themselves. Celeste wondered with a sinking feeling how she'd be punished for this supposed disrespect.

She bowed her head, falling silent.

Alfred turned his head away, sneaking a glance at her from the corner of his eye.

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the drive.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of the Hopkins estate. The house was ablaze with light, several staff members waiting respectfully at the entrance.

Celeste and Alfred walked shoulder to shoulder up the steps. Just before they reached the door, Alfred noticed the way Celeste's body tensed.

"Are you scared?" he asked quietly.

"Will your grandfather's punishment affect you too?" Celeste replied, her voice low. She wasn't afraid of facing the music herself; she just worried about inconveniencing such a good ally.

Alfred kept his smile carefully in check as he pushed open the door for her. "No. It won't."

His voice was calm and steady, carrying a quiet reassurance that made everything suddenly seem much less frightening.