Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 149

The air in the conference room turned heavy, thick with tension.

Only a seasoned old-timer with a nose for trouble would dare to insult someone so brazenly in front of everyone during a joint bid.

A few of the more diplomatic types, aware of The Robertson Group's considerable stature, tried to smooth things over.

"He didn't choose to be born out of wedlock. There's no need to bring up something he had no control over. We all have to work together, after all."

"Maybe not his birth, but he certainly chose to ride a woman's coattails to get ahead, didn't he?" someone muttered from a shadowy corner.

A rotund man nearby let out a mocking laugh. "No wonder the old man dared to say it to his face—some illegitimate son who built his career off a woman's fortune doesn't really deserve a seat at this table."

"Young, good-looking—makes sense he'd catch the eye of some wealthy widow, huh?" another added with a sneer.

As more people joined in, the ridicule took on a life of its own. Their laughter filled the room, and the insults lost their sting, turning into the kind of "jokes" that everyone pretended were harmless.

Philip clenched his fists under the table and instinctively glanced across at Celeste.

She looked completely unfazed, quietly conferring with her assistant about a document as if none of this concerned her.

Celeste always did have a knack for tuning out distractions and zeroing in on her work.

A wave of old memories washed over Philip.

He suddenly remembered the days when he and Celeste had started out together. Back then, his father's reputation cast too long a shadow for him to bow his head. But Celeste always knew when to swallow her pride and mediate. She could navigate the egos in the room and still manage to carve out a small project for them to tackle.

Only now did Philip realize that everything Celeste had done for him back then was the true foundation of his entire career.

Without Celeste, he wouldn't be where he was today.

But as the gossip swirled around him, he found himself unable to speak a single word in his own defense.

At the head of the table, Effie sat beside her uncle, Fabian Gallagher.

Celeste, already familiar with both groups, wasn't surprised by the outcome.

Irma, on the other hand, was curious. "Do you think we have a shot?"

Celeste tapped her fingers thoughtfully against the folder in front of her. "The Gallagher Group and The Robertson Group are more alike—both progressive, both forward-thinking. Unless something unexpected happens…"

"Congratulations to The Robertson Group for winning the project!" Fabian announced.

Polite applause followed, most people clapping reluctantly. Philip stood to give his thanks, but his eyes lingered on Celeste.

Celeste hadn't expected—or cared about—the result. She'd only joined the bid to free up some time to write a song for Kate.

The Gallagher Group had been fair and impartial throughout, and she had no complaints about the outcome.

And with that, the bidding was over.