Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 133

Celeste didn't stop until she was standing right in front of Alfred.

She called softly, "Mr. Alfred?" twice, but got no response.

Oddly enough, the man was still standing ramrod straight, his gaze fixed on her without blinking.

"Mr. Alfred?" she called again, waving her hand in front of his face.

It took a moment for Alfred to snap out of it, realizing he'd been staring a little too intently. He quickly averted his eyes from Celeste's puzzled look, pressing a fist to his lips and clearing his throat.

"Sorry. Just tired from working late," he muttered.

As if his distraction had nothing to do with Celeste's striking appearance today.

Celeste accepted the explanation without question, absentmindedly rubbing the back of her neck. She still wasn't used to having her hair pinned up when she wasn't wearing a gown.

But Kate had insisted it would accentuate her features, make her look even better.

Celeste couldn't see the difference herself; all she felt was the chill against her bare neck.

With that thought, she quickly slipped into the car.

Behind her, Alfred's gaze lingered on the pale curve of her neck. His fingers tightened slightly before he composed himself and slid in beside her, turning his face away.

Celeste glanced at the man's sharp profile, confused. She touched her own cheek, wondering,

Is there really something odd about how I look tonight?

Why did it seem like Alfred was going out of his way to avoid her eyes?

…

They arrived at the evening reception.

Alfred had only instructed the staff to prepare a dress for Celeste; there was no need for anyone to fuss with her makeup.

Arm in arm, they stepped inside.

The bright lights caught the shimmer of Celeste's silver gown, highlighting every delicate line of her face. When she lifted her gaze, lashes fluttering, a quiet murmur floated from a corner of the room.

"No wonder she's the one standing beside Alfred…"

No one pressed Celeste about her background, and that was just fine with her.

Halfway through the evening, Alfred was pulled away by a circle of business leaders, leaving Celeste free to slip away for a break—just as her phone rang. It was Herbert.

"Your sister's waiting at the entrance. As her big sister, go let her in!"

"…Sorry, bad signal, gotta go."

Celeste hung up before he could say another word, barely pausing to think up an excuse.

If the Hopkins family hadn't invited anyone from the Duncan Group, they must have their reasons.

She had no intention of interfering.

But before she reached the lounge, a server approached.

"Excuse me, someone's here to see you outside."

Great, she thought grimly. Beverly again. That woman was like a bad penny—never seemed to go away.