Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 119

"The Hopkins Group's quarterly product launch will now begin."

As the host's voice echoed through the hall, beams of light swept across the stage, leaving the audience shrouded in shadow.

But Alfred was nowhere to be seen.

Celeste, accustomed to his frequent business absences, barely gave it a second thought.

That is, until the empty seat to her left was suddenly filled.

Beverly arrived, arm-in-arm with Jasper, gliding gracefully into their seats. Under the blue glow from the stage, pride gleamed in Beverly's eyes. She looked every bit the peacock—head held high, fingers curled possessively around Jasper's arm, shooting Celeste a triumphant, almost taunting look as she glanced at the empty seat beside her.

Celeste barely acknowledged her, keeping her focus on the presenter's introduction.

Beverly, expecting more of a reaction, felt her satisfaction dissolve into frustration, as if she'd punched a pillow—no resistance, no satisfaction, just a lingering annoyance.

The launch event reached its halfway point, signaling an intermission.

"These are our latest smart glasses," the presenter announced. "If you're interested or curious, feel free to come up and try them out."

Clusters of tech staff chatted about the new product's upgrades, while investors stroked their chins, calculating how best to get a piece of the action.

The crowd dispersed, filling the room with a lively buzz.

Celeste, feeling stiff from sitting so long, decided to step outside for some air. She rose from her seat, just as Beverly slyly extended her foot into the aisle.

Childish.

Celeste's gaze darkened. With deliberate precision, the tip of her stiletto landed squarely on Beverly's ankle.

"Ah—!"

Beverly shrieked, whipping her head around to see Celeste's lips curl into the slightest smirk. Infuriated, she leapt to her feet. "How dare you kick me in front of everyone! You just wanted to embarrass me—"

She didn't get to finish.

A sharp, ripping sound split the air.

The zipper of Beverly's dress had burst open at the back, and her strapless mermaid gown slipped dangerously low—

"Oh my god—"

Noticing the growing number of curious onlookers—and realizing Beverly was supposed to be sitting with Jasper—the sweating attendant hurried over.

"Miss Beverly, perhaps you should change into another gown. Mr. Jasper will be returning soon, and, well..."

He trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Beverly understood all too well. She had no intention of letting Jasper see her like this, but the sight of Celeste's smug expression made her blood boil. Gritting her teeth, she jabbed a finger in Celeste's direction.

"Celeste! Just you wait!"

With that, she pushed past the attendant and hurried off, head down, humiliated.

In a darkened corner, the media's cameras had captured every moment, their operators grinning in the shadows.

"Jasper's date is a disaster. This is going to be gold."

He scrolled through his camera—photos of Beverly arriving on Jasper's arm, and now, her public wardrobe malfunction. These shots would fetch a nice price.

With that brief drama concluded, Celeste slipped out of the hall to take a break.