Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 135

"You're the one who's the bastard's daughter!"

Beverly sprang up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, eyes blazing with fury.

A flicker of triumph flashed in Viola's eyes, though outwardly she played the delicate victim, leaning pitifully against Philip's arm.

"If it weren't for you, Celeste would never have been so miserable. She wouldn't have fled from Rosewood for all those years! You stole everything from her—what are you even proud of?"

Viola's words were all in defense of Celeste.

Surprisingly, Philip didn't try to stop her.

That only fueled Beverly's anger. She shot Philip a scathing look.

"You two—what a pair! The nerve you have to speak on my sister's behalf."

She jabbed a finger at them, voice trembling with rage. "A scumbag who threw my sister away, and a scheming country girl who took advantage of it—neither of you has any right to stand here and judge me! My sister's with Mr. Alfred now, and she's happier with him than she ever was with you two sorry excuses for human beings!"

Guilt flickered in Philip's eyes. He glanced instinctively at Celeste.

But Celeste just shrugged it off, secretly cheering Beverly on.

Usually, she and Beverly couldn't stand each other, but this time, Beverly's words had hit the nail on the head.

Viola, on the other hand, caught the look in Philip's eyes and nearly exploded with anger—he'd rather take the insults and feel guilty for Celeste than stand up for her! Why should she have to put up with this?

Tears of frustration welled up in Viola's eyes. She dashed forward, ready to strike.

But Beverly wasn't one to back down. She raised her hand, aiming to slap Viola—hard and loud, so Celeste would know she'd defended her, and maybe finally let her in to see Jasper.

Both women were hell-bent on winning.

Philip snapped out of it, just in time to try and shield Viola from Beverly.

But someone else was faster.

"Enough!"

"What do you think you're doing, brawling at the Hopkins' private event?"

Two security guards quickly stepped in and held the women apart.

"I got it, sis. Just get me inside, please."

Celeste couldn't be bothered to argue. She led Beverly through the doors—what happened next was up to her.

Inside, Celeste headed straight for Alfred. He was surrounded by guests, all trying to get him to drink. She gave a quick word to Mack to make sure some hangover pills were on hand, then slipped away to the lounge for some peace and quiet.

She had no interest in social climbing. There hadn't even been a formal wedding, and she saw no need to explain her status as Alfred's wife to every stranger in the room.

Across the crowded hall, Alfred watched her settle quietly into a seat. Only then did he relax and turn his attention back to his guests. For a moment, he'd worried she'd left the party altogether—maybe she hadn't wanted to attend the Hopkins' private event at all.

Clearly, he'd been overthinking.

...

In a quiet corner, Beverly made a beeline for Jasper, only to find him in deep conversation with another woman.

The woman had bouncy, wavy hair and a sweet, impish face—her whole demeanor was lively and charming. Two tall bodyguards stood nearby, close at hand.

That must be Jasper's fiancée, the heiress from the Gallagher family.