Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 134

She wanted to refuse again, but her phone wouldn't stop buzzing. Herbert's relentless calls came one after another, making her fingers tingle from the vibrations.

What a headache...

Utterly exasperated, she had no choice but to step outside and deal with it.

As Mrs. Hopkins, waitstaff naturally let her come and go as she pleased.

Celeste had barely stepped out the door when Beverly, resplendent in a scarlet gown, swept up to her with a practiced, ingratiating smile.

"Sis, you finally came out to get me! I've been waiting out here forever!"

"You look gorgeous tonight! I, um… I came because Dad specifically asked me to. He wants me to mingle at the dinner, make some connections, you know, so I can help you get more projects in the future."

Beverly racked her brain, but that was the best praise and excuse she could muster.

Help her get more projects? It would be a miracle if Beverly didn't steal them for herself.

Celeste arched a brow. "Beverly, you're willing to swallow your pride just for a spot at this dinner? Is it really that important to you?"

"If you have time for all this groveling, maybe you should focus on actually delivering results for Duncan Group. Keep an eye on Dad and your mother—try not to cause trouble. Build a decent relationship with the Hopkins family, and maybe one day you'll walk through that door with your head held high."

With that, Celeste turned, ready to leave.

But as she glanced back, she locked eyes with someone all too familiar.

Philip had just arrived, escorting Viola to the Hopkins family's private event.

He'd hoped to use this dinner as a chance to get closer to Alfred and finally land a project, so Abelard would stop summoning him back home.

What he hadn't expected…was to run into Celeste here.

Viola flinched, stung by the jab, but forced herself to bite her tongue.

If Philip couldn't secure a major project soon, the Robertson family would recall him. They'd never liked her; they'd find any excuse to get rid of her. For now, she had to do everything she could to help Philip, even if it meant swallowing her pride and not crossing Celeste.

Off to the side, Beverly—who'd thought she had no hope—perked up at the commotion. A flash of inspiration struck her: if she sided with Celeste against these two, maybe Celeste would take pity and bring her inside.

With that, she strode forward. "Miss Viola, you sure think highly of yourself. My sister's never once used her position to help our own family land a deal—why on earth would she help yours?"

"Take a good look in the mirror, will you? You're just a country bumpkin trying to climb your way up, and the socialites inside already think you're beneath them."

Celeste blinked in surprise. Since when did her stepsister take her side?

Viola was even more stunned. She could tolerate Celeste because she needed her, but Beverly? Where did she get off looking down on her, too?

Anger flashed in Viola's eyes as she retorted, her tone dripping with forced sweetness. "So what if I'm from the countryside? It's still better than being the daughter of a mistress, isn't it?"