Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 124

If Celeste had truly been after the Hopkins family's wealth or power, she would've started making her moves the moment they signed the marriage certificate. Why wait until now?

Still, Magda could be useful.

A faint, knowing smile flickered in Celeste's eyes as she turned and met Magda's haughty gaze.

"Seems you don't know much about the Duncan family, do you?"

"I was living in Silvercrest up until the wedding—only returned to Asterwynn afterwards. All this time, there's only been one young lady in the Duncan family business: Beverly. And she didn't just meet Jasper today."

"If Alfred and I ever wanted to set our sights on your son, why would Grandfather bother looking for someone new? We could've had your son marry Beverly today if we wanted. Think it over, Magda. Who's really playing games here?"

She'd said enough.

Celeste didn't waste another word—she headed toward the garden to walk off her meal.

Magda stood rooted to the spot, grudgingly admitting that Celeste might have a point. Given Alfred's standing with Grandfather and Celeste's favored status in the Hopkins family, if the two of them had just suggested that Jasper marry Beverly, Grandfather might've actually considered it.

But they'd shown no such intention. Which could only mean…

"The Duncan family, huh?" Magda finally saw the pattern, biting her lip in frustration. "They've set their sights on my son! The nerve of them!"

She silently vowed never to let the Duncans off so easily.

—

Celeste didn't make it to the garden.

Jasper cut her off.

She felt a sigh coming on. Was it really this much trouble just to take a walk after dinner?

She lifted her eyes, her tone lazy. "Something you need?"

"So you're that eager to see me find a fiancée and start a family, huh?"

Jasper's face was stormy as he drew closer. Seeing how detached Celeste looked, anger flared in his eyes. "If I get married and have kids, the balance of power shifts toward me. Aren't you afraid that, once I'm in charge, you and Alfred—"

With that, she brushed past him and headed for the garden.

Jasper stood frozen for a long moment before the realization hit.

Celeste wasn't the one angling for an easy inheritance… He was!

Had she just insulted him without him even noticing?

He was about to demand an explanation when the steady click of footsteps echoed down the staircase behind him.

Alfred stood overhead, looking down with cool authority.

"Grandfather has arranged for you to meet the Gallagher heiress tomorrow. Don't be late."

"…Understood."

Jasper lowered his eyes. As Alfred passed by, Jasper clenched his fists, swallowing the words he wanted to spit out.