Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 147

"One hour until The Gallagher Group's bidding starts."

Irma's businesslike tone snapped Celeste's thoughts back to work.

In her mind, Alfred's words from last night still echoed—"You owe me one." For a man known for getting things done without delay, he was surprisingly content to let her owe him a dinner... with no deadline.

But work took precedence over any man.

The car rolled to a smooth stop.

Dressed in a crisp white suit and heels, Celeste arrived early at the venue's reception hall, ready to catch her breath and wait.

Irma handed over the neatly prepared proposal packet. "Here's the file—"

A sharp female voice cut through the air, punctuated by the sound of a slap.

"How dare you! Who do you think you are, trying to use Jasper's connections on me?"

A woman stumbled out into the corridor, clutching her reddened cheek in shock.

Celeste and Irma froze, exchanging glances. Wasn't that Beverly?

Beverly staggered, utterly stunned. "Did you just hit me? I told Jasper what was happening today! If he finds out you humiliated me like this, he'll—"

"Is Jasper your fiancé, or mine?"

A woman in a sleek black-and-gold suit strode out of the reception hall. Her wavy hair was pinned up, her eyes icy and unsparing.

"You try to use my fiancé's good graces to get me to hand you a project under the table? Never mind how unfair that would be—who do you think you are? Not even worthy of being called the ‘other woman,' and you dare to bark at me?"

"If Duncan Group weren't bidding today, I'd do more than slap you. I'd have someone toss you out onto the street and let's see if Jasper takes your side or mine!"

Irma leaned close to Celeste, whispering, "That's Effie Gallagher, the eldest daughter of the Gallagher family."

Celeste had made no attempt to leverage her Hopkins family connections and hadn't mentioned Alfred at all, representing only Duncan Group.

Effie's assistant had already whispered to her about Celeste's ties with Alfred, but since Celeste didn't bring it up, Effie had no intention of exposing her. Instead, she simply shook Celeste's hand, then shot a cold, mocking glance at Beverly.

"Sisters, but worlds apart. Guess that's what happens when you're born to different mothers."

Beverly's jaw clenched so tightly it seemed her teeth might crack.

That damn Celeste! Instead of siding with her, she was cozying up to Effie—and even taking jabs at Beverly's background!

Celeste finished, "Besides, Duncan Group has only one official representative. I'm not sure who my sister claims to represent today."

"With the bidding about to start, I won't intrude on Miss Gallagher or my sister any further. If you'll excuse me."

With a bright, easy smile, Celeste walked off with Irma, heading straight for the waiting lounge.