Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 171

Janice let out a surprised yelp, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Wait a second! Celeste, is your team still hiring?"

"I can't believe I've been sitting next to a powerhouse this whole time!" Patty stared at Celeste in awe, then quickly fished out her neatly folded résumé. She straightened her clothes and, after Celeste finished ordering, introduced herself with all the poise of a seasoned professional.

She spoke clearly, unfazed by the curious glances from nearby tables. Her manner was calm and confident, but she still managed to keep things light.

Celeste's eyes lit up instantly.

She had just acquired the Ingrid Group, and talented people were exactly what she needed right now.

But…

Ingrid Group's performance was shaky at best.

Someone as capable as Patty—would she even be willing to take the risk?

Noticing Celeste's hesitation, Patty added, "All I'm asking for is a chance. I don't need Janice to pull strings for me."

"That's hardly the problem," Celeste replied, half exasperated and half amused. "Connections are how the business world works; that's nothing unusual." She quickly explained the current situation at Ingrid Group. "I can guarantee your salary to start," she said honestly, "but I can't make any promises about how things will develop. If we're lucky, things might pick up in a couple of weeks. If not, it could take years. I want you to really think it through."

She had barely finished speaking before Patty smiled.

"My answer is yes. I'm in."

Celeste was taken aback by her decisiveness. "This is your career we're talking about. Are you sure you don't want to think it over?"

Patty shook her head. "No need. I believe like attracts like. If you're Janice's friend, then you must be just as outstanding and resilient as she is. Whatever you take on, I know you won't fail."

"Besides, I told you—I just need a shot. And this is a golden opportunity. I'd be crazy to pass it up!"

As soon as Patty finished, Janice burst into applause, praising her for her courage.

She swept her gaze around the room. "Look at these people—refined, impeccably dressed. One meal here probably costs more than you'll earn in a year. And look at you—clothes don't fit, you're a mess. Honestly, what's the difference between you and a couple of vagrants?"

She shot Celeste a withering look, as if to say, "Only you would befriend people like this."

Janice and Patty's faces flushed with humiliation. They knew they were out of place, and with Beverly's crowd watching, neither dared talk back. Both lowered their heads, hoping to ignore her.

That's when Celeste folded her arms, her voice icy and sharp.

"I didn't realize this restaurant let animals in. Why are you yapping and biting at people's heels?"

She fixed Beverly with a cold stare. "You come to a place like this and can't take your eyes off someone else's clothes? It seems no amount of fine dining can stop that nasty mouth of yours, and even the elegant décor can't do anything for your tacky taste."

Finally, she tossed her credit card onto the table.

"Waiter! My dear sister here must be starving—she's so busy barking at others she's forgotten to eat. Please, bring her your very best dishes. Make sure she leaves with a full stomach. We wouldn't want her to embarrass the Duncan family in a place like this!"