Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 146

She broke her gaze and turned to the handsome man beside her.

"Mr. Alfred, what brings you here today?"

"Someone needed an extra guest. I was invited last minute."

Alfred's answer was brief and to the point.

Celeste was surprised—she hadn't expected Alfred to help make up the numbers for anyone. But since they were allies, she didn't press further.

Instead, she asked the driver to swing by the villa. She remembered there were some music devices she'd brought with her, tucked away in her luggage.

Philip didn't question her reasons, and the two of them rode in silence to the villa.

Celeste made no effort to hide her musical interests. Right in front of Alfred, she opened her equipment case, selected what she needed, and was about to ask the staff to help load them into the car.

But Alfred strode over and gently took her arm.

"No need. The cables are broken."

Celeste blinked in surprise and checked for herself. Sure enough, two wires at the bottom were already snapped. Even if she brought the equipment back, it would be useless.

The light in her eyes dimmed, and her shoulders drooped. Just great—by the time she ordered a new set, there was no way she'd have it ready for Kate's performance.

"Let's head back for now," Alfred suggested. Even if she tried to rewire the equipment, it would take time—there was no need to rush tonight.

Celeste understood, though disappointment lingered as she followed him out.

Back at Moonwater Grove, Celeste said goodbye to Alfred and retreated to her room, immediately searching online for nearby music equipment. It needed to be fast and, more importantly, discreet. She wasn't ready for the Duncan family to know about her passion just yet.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell chimed.

She lingered at the doorway for a moment. Across the hall, another door opened. Alfred, having just freshened up, leaned casually against his doorframe, jacket off and looking effortlessly relaxed.

"Is it enough for you?"

His tone was light, as if hunting down specialized equipment was no big deal.

Celeste met his gaze, gratitude shining in her eyes. "You're spoiling me. My old stuff was well-worn—what you sent over is state-of-the-art."

"A favor unearned is a debt unpaid. You've helped me far more than I've helped you. If you have time, let me take you out to dinner."

Something in Alfred's eyes softened, as if lit from within.

He was about to speak when, from inside the living room, his phone shrieked for attention. He guessed it was another after-hours call from the office. With a sigh, he ruffled his hair and gave Celeste a deep, meaningful look.

"I'll take a rain check."