Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 71

Beverly's voice cut off abruptly.

Celeste wasn't surprised in the slightest. Jasper might be the golden boy of the Hopkins family, but none of the Hopkins heirs were ones to spend recklessly or act without purpose.

She folded her arms, meeting Beverly's stunned gaze with a hint of amused challenge.

"Business—well, here it is, isn't it?"

"But…"

But this was supposed to be her business—her Jasper!

Frustrated and unwilling to accept defeat, Beverly threw herself into her father's arms, sobbing harder. "Dad, Celeste already has Mr. Alfred—why does she have to come and steal Jasper from me too? Don't you want both your daughters married into the Hopkins family? Wouldn't that mean twice the benefits for us?"

Her words struck a chord with Herbert. Jasper was, after all, the future heir; Herbert's ambitions only grew.

"Celeste! Your sister's right! Let her have this opportunity. If Beverly ends up with Jasper, that will only help you as her older sister, won't it?"

Before Celeste could reply, Irma, her assistant, spoke up at just the right moment. "Ms. Duncan, Mr. Jasper's assistant is calling."

Her phone was buzzing insistently.

"Pick up! And tell him we want to change the project lead," Beverly blurted out, desperation tinging her voice.

Irma hesitated, her eyes flicking to Celeste for instructions.

Celeste arched an eyebrow lazily. "Put it on speaker. Let's see if Jasper agrees to swap out the lead."

"Yes, ma'am."

With Celeste's nod, Irma turned on the speakerphone.

On the other side of the table, Herbert's brow furrowed. He was startled by how easily Celeste commanded the entire Duncan Group staff.

The call connected.

Hearing her father speak up for her, Beverly felt her confidence return. She hurried home to plot with her parents.

That afternoon, Amanda called Celeste, her tone gentle and inviting.

"Celeste, you've been back in Asterwynn for quite a while now, but you never seem to have time to shop for clothes. Your father is thinking of hosting a small family dinner soon. You and Beverly are about the same size, so I picked up several outfits for you. Come home and try them on, and let's all have a pleasant meal together, alright?"

Amanda's tone was deliberately soft and conciliatory.

As the saying goes, you can't slap a smiling face. Besides, Celeste was curious to see what new tricks they might try.

"I'll be there," she replied.

…

That evening, at the Duncan family home.