Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 132

Celeste's eyes brightened ever so slightly.

Kate gave the driver an address.

The studio Kate had set up in Silvercrest was still pristine, stocked with every kind of instrument imaginable. Spacious practice rooms and recording booths branched off the hallway, each one bathed in warm amber light that glowed against polished wooden floors, filling the place with a gentle, inviting warmth.

As they made their way to Kate's office, staff members greeted her with respectful nods and friendly hellos. Kate responded with easy confidence, as if she'd been in charge all her life.

Celeste couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. The girl who'd once thrown herself into music with reckless abandon was standing here now, every inch a leader.

They stepped inside.

Celeste's gaze landed instantly on a violin resting on a velvet-lined stand.

Kate's smile was soft. "There aren't many people worthy of an instrument like this."

She spoke as she placed the violin in Celeste's hands.

"I've tuned it for you, just the way you like," she added. "Go on—give it a try."

"You even tuned it, huh?" Celeste's fingers traced the violin's polished edge. She shot Kate a look, half amused, half resigned. "So you've been plotting to rope me in for a while now."

Kate grinned, scratching the back of her head. Watching Celeste cradle the expensive violin with such care, Kate noticed the way her friend's eyes brightened, the old passion flickering to life. But then Kate's smile faded. "You still love music. I can see it—every time you hold an instrument."

But you walked away from all this.

Celeste's fingers paused. She let out a bitter laugh and tucked the violin under her chin.

"There are things I haven't finished yet."

All that her mother had given to Duncan Group—she hadn't taken it back.

Kate watched her for a long moment, listening as Celeste coaxed the first tentative notes from the violin. At first, the melody stumbled, unfamiliar and rough around the edges, but soon it unfurled, rich and heartbreakingly beautiful.

"Why not play with my orchestra every now and then?" Kate asked, her voice gentle. "Wear a mask—no one will know it's you."

"It won't interfere with… everything else you need to do."

Those two sentences brought Celeste's music to an abrupt halt.

She opened her eyes slowly, taking in the luxurious studio, the sunlight streaming across the hardwood, the instruments waiting in quiet anticipation. She pressed her lips together.

Kate narrowed her eyes, hands firm on Celeste's shoulders. "A dinner party? All the more reason to look your best!"

Three hours later.

Alfred arrived at the address Celeste had sent.

He couldn't recall her owning anything on this street. Frowning, he stepped out of his car.

"Mr. Alfred."

Celeste's voice called from a nearby alley.

He turned toward the sound—and froze.

Her hair, usually loose and soft around her shoulders, was swept up in an elegant twist, revealing the delicate lines of her face. Her eyes, bright and limpid, needed only the lightest touch of makeup to draw every gaze. Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling her smile with golden shadows.

Even passersby were whispering, wondering aloud if she was some kind of celebrity.

Across the crowd, Alfred watched as Celeste walked toward him, heart thudding so hard it nearly stopped, then started again—each beat slower than the last.