Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 157

"Don't shout."

Celeste hurriedly clamped a hand over Janice's mouth.

It was the middle of the night, for goodness' sake—did she not care about getting a noise complaint?

Janice's eyes went wide as she clawed at Celeste's hand, shaking it wildly.

"No wonder you drive a Bentley around town! You're practically a young heiress now in Asterwynn! Hurry up and text him back!"

"Let go of me first," Celeste said, half laughing, half exasperated as she pulled her hand free.

She grabbed her phone and checked her messages. Alfred had only sent two words:

"Landed safely."

So typically formal. Of course—he was always the consummate partner.

"Okay," Celeste replied, keeping it just as brief.

Janice stared at her in disbelief. "That's it? You just text your husband 'okay' and that's that?"

"I replied the same thing earlier," Celeste said, unfazed.

Janice opened her mouth, then closed it, clearly torn. But after a moment, she reconsidered. Celeste might act cool and distant, but her husband just turned around and gifted her a Bentley. Maybe he actually treated her pretty well?

Janice kept her thoughts to herself as she led Celeste further inside, making small talk about work before suddenly remembering, "Oh, right—what's going on between you and Philip, anyway?"

She'd been so distracted by the news about Alfred, she'd almost forgotten.

She hadn't heard the slightest hint about Celeste's messy breakup with Philip. Now curiosity won out.

Celeste thought for a moment, then gave her a quick rundown of what had happened.

Janice knew a bit more about Celeste and Philip than Kate ever did, so she was instantly indignant.

"You helped him start his business, played the perfect wife, and he turns around and keeps a mistress while expanding his empire in the city?"

"It even rhymes," Celeste said, cracking a smile despite herself.

Janice shot her a glare, infuriated. "Don't laugh! If it weren't for you, Philip would still be a nobody!"

Someone must be talking trash about him behind his back.

A message popped up from Chase.

"Here's all the information on that violinist from the other night's concert, including her contact details."

"Thanks," Philip replied, opening the file.

He still remembered the masked violinist's breathtaking performance at the gala; her music lingered in his mind.

He scrolled through the dossier.

The first photo showed a delicate-faced young woman. The name underneath read: Salome Lewis.

Just then, Viola walked in, carrying a mug of honey water for him. She caught a glimpse of the woman's photo on his screen.

Who's that?

Is Philip interested in someone else now?