Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 136

Beverly clenched her fists, biting back the urge to compete for a man in front of the Gallaghers. All she could do was linger in the shadows, waiting for the right moment.

Meanwhile—

A middle-aged man approached, raising his glass of champagne with a flourish.

"Lovely lady, are you waiting for someone?"

She nodded.

"Yes."

When Beverly glanced up, she saw he was at least twenty years her senior. His suit looked expensive, but the thick gold chain around his neck and the oversized watch on his wrist screamed nouveau riche. His cheeks were flushed; he was clearly a little drunk. He stared at her for a moment, then, without a word, pressed a hotel keycard into her hand and shot her a knowing look.

Beverly almost laughed. So, he was here to try his luck? She was about to toss the keycard when she noticed the man scuttle straight over to Jasper, bowing and scraping for his attention. Every so often, he glanced back at her.

Wait a second—did that mean the keycard was actually from Jasper? Was this gaudy man just Jasper's errand boy?

As she puzzled over it, Jasper followed the man's gaze and looked straight at her. He didn't say a word, but the glance alone made Beverly's heart pound.

Jasper had looked at her!

It had to be true—Jasper must've felt awkward about approaching her with the Gallagher heiress around, so he'd gotten a subordinate to pass her the keycard.

Beverly stared down at it as if she were holding her ticket to the top.

…

The private dinner finally ended.

Celeste rose from her seat, meaning to find Alfred so they could leave together. The crowd was thick, and her phone buzzed with a message from Mack.

"No need to wander around inside, ma'am. I'll bring Mr. Hopkins to the entrance to meet you."

Celeste couldn't help but laugh—so the drunk was worried she'd fall? Who was supposed to be holding up whom here?

"He seems pretty well-behaved. Go get the car," she repeated to Mack.

Behind her, unseen, Alfred's hand clenched sharply before slowly relaxing again. Mack could only stare in disbelief.

Well-behaved?

Was that really a word anyone would use for Mr. Alfred?

But time was tight. He hurried off to fetch the car.

At the bottom step, Philip approached. Celeste, still supporting Alfred, brushed past him with barely a glance and tossed out a single line:

"Not now. I have more important things to do."