Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 72

A table was laden with mouthwatering dishes.

Herbert waved her over with exaggerated warmth.

"Come, have a seat! Ms. Lawrence made all this herself to welcome you. Try it, see if you like it."

Amanda, with her usual gentleness, pointed to the mountain of shopping bags piled on the sofa.

"Celeste, these are all beautiful clothes I picked out for you. When you're representing the Duncan Group, you need to look the part. Why don't you take a look and see if anything suits your taste?"

Celeste couldn't see the clothes themselves, but every bag was emblazoned with the logo of some luxury brand—Chanel, Dior, Gucci. Clearly, Amanda had spared no expense this time.

Celeste nodded perfunctorily and sat down, her expression cool and unreadable. She picked at her food, tasting a few bites.

Amanda soon brought over a bowl of soothing soup and set it before her.

"Celeste, if Beverly and Jasper end up together, you'll have a sister in the Hopkins family who can support you. It's a win-win for everyone!"

"And I made a special visit to Father Benedict recently. He helped me choose the perfect day to finally move your mother's memorial into the family chapel. Once your mother's spirit is settled, the tension between you and Herbert will be gone. Then you and your sister can work together to secure your share of the Hopkins estate!"

Amanda painted her vision in broad, glowing strokes, her words so sweet that even the clink of the spoon in Celeste's bowl was almost silent.

The rest of the family smiled and laughed, but Celeste felt a chill deep in her bones.

Her father's rare displays of affection were never for her sake—they were always in service of securing a better future for his other daughter.

Amanda had refused for years to let Celeste's mother's memorial into the family chapel. Now, desperate to solidify her connection to the Hopkins, she suddenly relented.

It was almost funny—if it weren't so pathetic.

Celeste pushed the steaming bowl aside.

"Too bad. I don't want my mother's memorial in the Duncan family chapel anymore."

She looked up, her voice icy.

"The family elders in that chapel are all two-faced. Even behind closed doors, this family is nothing but hollow gestures and insincere smiles. Why should my mother's spirit be trapped in such a filthy, hypocritical place? I won't let her suffer even in death."

With that, Celeste stood up to leave.

Everything with the Hopkins family now depended on Celeste. They couldn't afford to cross her.

Herbert swallowed his rage.

Celeste set down her fork and dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

"I'm done. I'll head out first."

She stood, pausing at the doorway.

"Oh, and thank you, Ms. Lawrence, for splurging on all these gifts. Since you went through the trouble, I'll be sure to put them to good use. Goodbye."

She called for the driver to bring in all the bags, watching with satisfaction as the three of them sat, faces stone-cold and speechless. The sight made her almost cheerful.

Amanda, fuming, practically collapsed against Herbert's chest.

"She… she took everything, but hasn't done a single thing for us! Herbert, this is the daughter you raised!"

Herbert clenched his jaw so tight it ached. This daughter of his was getting more out of hand by the day.