Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 127

Beverly clutched her necklace so tightly her knuckles turned white, her face as pale as a sheet.

Celeste couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Just as she'd expected—the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Amanda and Beverly had always thought too highly of themselves. Honestly, Celeste's sharp tongue was exactly what they needed to snap them out of it.

Derek clearly had no intention of letting Magda handle things. Instead, he spoke up.

"Well, since these porcelain pieces have been brought here, and if the intention is to return them to their rightful owner, then let's hand them over to Celeste now."

Amanda's face drained of all color, pure shock written across her features.

She—she'd only brought up the porcelain as an excuse to smooth things over! She never actually meant to give away such expensive pieces...

Catching her expression, Derek suddenly grinned.

"If you're not willing, then forget it. It's not as if the Hopkins and Duncan families have ever been particularly close..."

"Of course they should be returned!"

Herbert jumped in at once. Maintaining a good relationship with the Hopkins family was worth far more than two pieces of porcelain.

He promptly placed the two boxes in front of Celeste.

A stinging warmth pricked at Celeste's nose.

"Thank you, Grandpa," she said softly.

"What's yours should always be yours," Derek replied with a gentle smile, his gaze growing even fonder as he looked at her.

Meanwhile, Herbert was nearly grinding his teeth to dust—giving up those antiques felt like cutting out a piece of his own flesh just to please an ungrateful granddaughter!

The atmosphere finally began to thaw.

A housekeeper stepped forward. "Dinner is served."

Everyone started making their way to the dining room.

Magda gave an order. "Go tell Jasper to come down for dinner."

"Yes, ma'am."

Amanda and Herbert hadn't been invited to join. Herbert was preparing to leave with his family, but as soon as Amanda heard Jasper's name, she grabbed Herbert's arm, forcing herself to speak up.

"Magda, there's no need to be so rude. Sit down and eat quietly."

"...Yes, Granddad," Magda muttered, clearly reluctant. As she sat, her glare swept over the Duncan family—anyone who dared linger would have to deal with her.

Derek, for his part, made no effort to invite them to stay.

Herbert instantly understood the message: they were being shown the door. He grabbed Amanda and Beverly, intending to make a quick exit.

But Beverly's eyes filled with tears.

"I'm not leaving! I want to know what's going on between Jasper and the Gallaghers!"

"That's enough!" Herbert's temper snapped. As the Hopkins family looked on in open contempt, his face flushed with embarrassment. He yanked Beverly away. "Do you have any idea how humiliating this is? You're a grown woman, throwing yourself at a man day after day—have you no pride? We're going home!"

Amanda seemed ready to protest, but Herbert wasn't having it. He dragged both women out, and the Duncan family made their exit in utter disgrace.

Finally, the farce was over.

Jasper came downstairs to join the family for dinner.

Without a word, Magda served him food, while Jasper, having caught wind of some of the commotion, sat quietly and behaved himself.