Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 116

Celeste's gaze swept over, cool and indifferent.

"Some people think a dress can catapult them to the top. But for most, a dress is just a dress—nothing more, nothing less."

"You—!"

Beverly's face flushed scarlet at the jab.

Meanwhile, the attendant had already led Celeste over to select a suitable evening gown. Since these were kept as backups for guests, the sizes were all fairly average, and most hung loose on her slender frame.

Celeste frowned. She'd built her career from scratch with Philip, grinding through long hours and relentless pressure. Years of early-morning runs and after-work gym sessions had left her lean and toned. Ever since rejoining Duncan Group, her schedule had only gotten busier—and her figure, even slimmer.

The attendant noticed her dilemma and quickly fetched a pale blue mermaid gown. "Would you like to try this one? It's the smallest size we have—actually, the only one left in that cut."

"Let me see."

Celeste stepped over.

But Beverly was faster.

"I'm pretty slim myself. A dress like this, with a silhouette like mine, would look amazing," Beverly quipped, snatching the gown and disappearing into the fitting room before anyone could object.

The attendant turned to Celeste, looking apologetic. "I'm so sorry, ma'am…"

"It's fine," Celeste replied, unruffled. "Let her try it. I'll keep looking. If nothing fits, the stylist can make some quick adjustments for me later."

She calmly continued browsing through the wardrobe's row of dazzling dresses. They weren't custom couture, but the designs were all stylish and modern. After all, women naturally love beautiful things. She was happy to take her time.

Behind the thin curtain, Beverly overheard and sneered quietly. "Pretending you don't care, huh? Ugh, this thing is so tight…"

She struggled for ages, finally giving in and calling for the attendant outside.

"Hey! Come help me with the zipper!"

"Excuse me, is Miss Celeste in this lounge?" one of them inquired politely.

"Mr. Alfred heard from the manager that your dress was damaged, ma'am," the attendant explained, taking a box from the man and presenting it to Celeste. "He had us deliver the newest piece from the Spring collection—your favorite floral design, with the latest tailoring. Would you like to take a look?"

Celeste examined the gown: soft white and fresh green, with delicate pastel embroidery and flawless lines. She smiled. "Please thank Mr. Alfred for me. I love it."

She was genuinely impressed. Alfred had excellent taste.

Behind the wall of men, Beverly's face went from red to white and back again. She glanced down at her own cheap mermaid dress and looked like she might explode.

But every time she so much as breathed too deeply, the seams of her dress creaked threateningly.

All she could do was glare daggers at Celeste and the luxury gown in her hands, holding her breath in more ways than one.

Sooner or later, she thought bitterly, once she'd landed Jasper—everything Celeste had would one day be hers.