Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 108

The man stood with his back to her, long fingers deftly loosening his tie.

"I'm not going to do anything, don't worry. Get some rest."

He really didn't leave her any room for argument.

Celeste didn't push the matter further.

Later, after she'd changed into clean pajamas and was lying in bed scrolling through her phone, he emerged from the bathroom in a perfectly pressed robe, the fabric barely concealing his sculpted muscles as he moved without a care.

Without glancing in his direction, Celeste set her phone aside, squeezed her eyes shut, and blurted out, her voice slightly rushed, "I'm going to sleep."

Alfred glanced at the bundle on the bed, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Goodnight."

He walked over, turned off her bedside lamp, and then, moving quietly through the darkness, settled himself on the small sofa across the room.

The spacious bedroom fell into a heavy silence.

Only the sound of their slow, even breathing filled the stillness.

At daybreak, Celeste woke early. Sleeping in this unfamiliar room had left her restless.

It was still dark out. She slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb anyone.

From across the room she saw Alfred, still fast asleep, curled up on the sofa.

She moved even more slowly, making sure not to make a sound as she slipped out the door.

The house staff were just beginning their morning routines, greeting her in hushed voices as she passed.

Celeste went downstairs to get a glass of water.

A housekeeper answered a call and hurried over. "It's the Duncan family on the line, maybe they're looking for you?"

"At this hour?" Celeste glanced at the clock.

Five in the morning. Not exactly the time for a friendly chat.

"If you don't believe me, hang up and try calling again."

Amanda was practically sputtering with rage; Celeste could hear her ragged breathing through the phone.

If anyone disturbed Derek's recovery, not even his own children could get away with it—let alone the Duncans.

A moment later, Herbert, her father, came on the line.

"Cece, it's good that the Hopkins family likes you, but I'm still your father. Come to the hospital, let's talk this out. Philip still cares for you…"

In the end, it was always the same—using her history with Philip to broker a business deal.

She'd heard enough excuses for selling off a daughter.

Celeste hung up without another word and walked away.

"Nothing like a family drama at dawn to ruin your morning," she muttered, shaking off the lingering irritation.