Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 162

Although the speakerphone wasn't on, Viola's excitement was obvious—her voice carried clearly through the entire conference room.

Philip offered her a few gentle reminders, his tone soft and reassuring.

"Now that your teacher's back home, make sure you follow her lead and learn everything you can. With her guidance, your path into your dream orchestra should be much smoother."

"And don't get moody. If you're not feeling well, you need to let me know right away."

"I have to get back to business now…"

The minutes ticked by in silence.

Philip didn't hang up until Viola was called back to practice.

Meanwhile, Celeste received a new message.

"If you want the transfer of Ingrid Group to go through faster, you'd better negotiate well."

Herbert's threats, once again.

Celeste's expression darkened. She didn't bother dwelling on her earlier spat with Philip. Instead, she called for Irma and asked her to bring several investment proposals, then handed them directly to Philip.

"The Robertson Group is powerful and well-connected. If you want to get a foothold in Asterwynn, perhaps you should take a look at these projects?"

Philip was taken aback.

Just moments ago, Celeste had seemed barely interested in talking to him. Now, after a single phone call, she was suddenly all warmth and enthusiasm.

He didn't quite understand what had changed, but the fact that Celeste was treating him kindly, even going so far as to recommend projects to him, put him in surprisingly good spirits.

For once, Celly was finally giving him the attention he'd longed for.

With a delighted smile, Philip glanced over the proposals.

"Are these all under your supervision?"

"Some of them," Celeste replied coolly, "but all go through my approval."

She was, after all, the vice president.

Celeste even handed him a pen, ever so thoughtfully.

As long as they had collaborative projects, he'd have reasons to see Celly more often.

Thirteen years of history between them—Philip believed Celeste would come back to him eventually.

In under three minutes, Philip had signed every document.

Celeste watched, finally satisfied.

Outside the office.

Beverly stood with Philip at the doorway, a cold smile on her lips.

"Mr. Robertson, I'm sure you overheard everything. My sister was just using your feelings to get what she wanted."

"She doesn't actually care about you. Not anymore."

Beverly had brought him here on purpose.

She was convinced that, in their father's eyes, Celeste's greatest value was her ability to rope in the Hopkins and Robertson Groups. But if she exposed Celeste's true colors to Philip, would he still help her?

Beverly felt victory was within her grasp.

But Philip's expression didn't change; his eyes remained calm, unfazed.

"I don't mind."

"Wha—?" Beverly was stunned, unable to believe that a rich heir could be so devoted to a woman. Jealousy flared in her chest, and she stamped her foot in frustration. "She's already with Alfred! That kind of woman—you're really willing to keep chasing after her like some pathetic lapdog?!"