Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 145

Instead of turning to Kate, the person in charge, Viola chose to confront Celeste.

It was as if she was accusing Celeste of scheming behind the scenes, of somehow orchestrating her exclusion from the group.

Celeste approached her, unhurried and composed.

"You really think I alone can decide who joins or leaves the Luna Ensemble? If that's the case, maybe you should reconsider rushing in here, eager to become my subordinate."

"And after hearing your performance just now, are you still convinced you're talented enough?"

Kate, standing nearby, couldn't help but let out a soft, mocking laugh.

"Celeste's right. We're recruiting, sure—but not you, Viola."

Viola's face flushed and paled by turns, but with Philip still beside her, she didn't dare lash out. Instead, she clung pitifully to his hand, tears trembling in her eyes.

"It's because of my background, isn't it? I could never compare to someone who's been immersed in music since childhood."

"Philip, let's just go. My dreams aren't worth much anyway..."

She dabbed at her eyes with a trembling hand, playing the picture of misery.

Kate found this routine particularly nauseating; her expression turned scornful.

Philip, for his part, was surprised that Celeste truly believed Viola wasn't fit for the ensemble.

But he still wanted to help Viola achieve her dream.

"How much would it take?" he asked abruptly. "What's the price for a spot in the group?"

"Price?" Kate stared at him, stunned. She exchanged a glance with Celeste, then held up a finger. "For Luna? One position. Ten million dollars."

A flicker of shock crossed Philip's eyes.

Viola, too, looked momentarily wide-eyed.

That was outrageous.

But if she could just join Luna's ensemble, then the Robertsons would never again call her some wild girl from nowhere.

She knew Philip couldn't possibly produce that kind of money on the spot. Biting her lip, she fought back tears and turned to Celeste with a pleading apology.

"Celeste, I was wrong before. I apologize to you and your friends."

"Please, don't ask Philip for such a ridiculous sum, okay?"

"Enough!" Philip snapped, shaking Viola's clinging arm off with a flash of anger. "Stop dragging Celeste into everything. If you want to join the group so badly, work on your playing. Stop making excuses."

With that, the sight of Celeste's cold indifference stung him, and he turned to follow her, leaving Viola alone.

—

Outside the hotel.

Philip hurried after her, breathless, hair tousled by the wind.

All he caught was the glimpse of Celeste's silhouette as she slid into her car.

"Celly…"

He stopped, chest heaving.

Inside the car, Celeste was fastening her seatbelt. Through the window, she caught sight of Philip standing forlornly at the top of the steps.

She hadn't expected him to run after her, rather than stay behind to comfort Viola.

But Philip's choices, she reminded herself, had nothing to do with her.