Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 68

The financial reports for the next two years? Those will be a breeze!

Celeste faced the sly old fox, refusing to make a deal that would leave her at a loss.

Bathed in the afternoon sunlight, she let out a soft laugh. "And what do I get out of this?"

"If the project goes to Duncan Group, how is that any different from it landing in your lap? What more do you want?"

As expected, Herbert's mood soured instantly—he could switch faces faster than flipping a page.

"Father, you must be confused," Celeste replied, her tone polite but edged with irony. "Above me, there's you and all my uncles. How could it possibly be my project? Duncan Group belongs to your side of the family, not mine. The only reason I have a sliver of shares is because of my dowry."

"So, what do you want then?"

Celeste didn't need to see his face to know he was probably livid, silently regretting having walked into her trap.

"Ten percent of Duncan Group's shares."

She slowed her speech, making sure he heard every word.

There wasn't a moment's pause before Herbert exploded, his voice booming through the phone, "What?! Celeste, have you lost your mind?"

Celeste calmly pulled her phone away from her ear.

If Herbert were standing in front of her, he'd probably be ready to tear her apart.

"Think it over and get back to me."

She ended the call with finality, glancing around at the team from the branch office. They were chatting animatedly with Alfred, making her own presence feel utterly redundant.

Only then did it hit her.

Hopkins Group already had a branch in Silvercrest.

So what was she even doing here?

Wasn't her involvement entirely unnecessary?

And yet, Alfred hadn't objected to her being here at all. That, in itself, was odd.

While she frowned in thought, Alfred's gaze had already landed on her.

As soon as their eyes met, he beckoned her over.

Celeste quickened her pace, coming to stand at his side.

"For now, we're solid allies. At least, that's how things stand. Besides, if I'm a piece in your game, I'd like to think I'm your best one. I don't see you cutting off your own strongest asset."

"Ally, huh?" Alfred chewed on the word, his eyes shadowed and unreadable.

But Celeste, having come to understand him a little, could tell he was less than pleased.

But what exactly had set him off? Was it the Duncan Group's ambition? Or was it her own audacity, calling herself his ally as if it were a given?

Then again, for people like them, an "ally" was probably the last thing anyone wanted.

One moment, you're allies.

The next, you could be enemies.

Hoping to change the subject, Celeste started, "So, this trip to Silvercrest—did I actually…"

But before she could finish, Alfred's phone rang.

He answered, listened, and his expression sharpened. "Understood, Grandpa."

When he hung up, Alfred turned to her. "Anything else left to settle? If not, it's time to head back."