Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 160

With only a door between them.

Celeste set aside her work for a break, opened the lounge door, and found herself staring at a room that looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel. She blinked, puzzled.

"Is every office studio this luxurious?" she wondered aloud.

Well, if that's the case, she could definitely get used to staying here.

……

Several days passed.

Every evening, Celeste would vanish right after work, only to show up the next morning looking refreshed and energized. Her own assignments were handled with perfect efficiency.

But as for winning over The Robertson Group? There hadn't been the slightest progress.

Herbert's patience was wearing thin. He turned to Beverly, frustration simmering in his voice.

"What's Celeste been up to lately? She leaves early every day, yet I never see her grabbing dinner with Philip. And you—since you're always hanging around the office with nothing to do, why aren't you chasing her down?"

Beverly pouted, her irritation barely concealed. "How should I know what my sister's up to?"

Ever since her last run-in with Effie, Herbert's attitude toward her had only grown colder. Amanda had told her to keep playing the obedient daughter in front of Dad, so she'd been coming in for a few hours each day, acting as Herbert's assistant. Who would have thought that her father's anger at Celeste would spill over onto her as well? Talk about getting caught in the crossfire.

"Go get Celeste in here. Now!" Herbert barked, his temper flaring.

As soon as Celeste walked in, Herbert slammed his hand on the desk and shot to his feet.

"I asked you to court The Robertson Group, but you clearly don't care! Do you still want to keep that Vice President title of yours?"

Celeste couldn't care less about Herbert's periodic outbursts. Her gaze remained calm, unfazed.

"After our deal with the Hopkins Group, The Robertson Group and Duncan Group have become direct competitors. Given the situation, even if I managed to win Philip over in a day or two, The Robertson Group still wouldn't agree to work with us so easily."

"In business, rushing things leads to disaster. Surely you understand that, Father?"

Herbert found himself at a loss for words.

Just then, the secretary pushed open the door.

"Mr. Duncan, Mr. Robertson from The Robertson Group is here to see you."

What's he doing here now? Celeste frowned.

Herbert snapped out of his funk, instantly swapping his anger for a sycophantic grin.

"Philip's come to us! Cece, go freshen up so we can properly welcome him."

"And remember what I said—do whatever it takes to win over The Robertson Group."

Celeste gave him a cold look.

To her father, she was nothing more than a tool for brokering alliances.