Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 74

"Keep it down," Viola muttered.

"...Alright." She clenched her jaw, swallowing her frustration.

The two of them followed Celeste into the elevator, but nobody pressed a floor button. They rode in silence all the way to the top. When the doors slid open and they stepped out behind her, Celeste finally turned, impatience clear in her face.

"If you keep following me, I'm calling security."

"I just want to apologize," Philip insisted, forcing patience into his voice. "You look exhausted tonight, and I don't want to bother you any longer. How about lunch tomorrow? I'll book a table somewhere nice, and we can talk things through over a meal. I really hope you'll—"

"I don't have time," Celeste cut him off, glancing at her watch. "You should both go. Stop wasting my time."

She rummaged through her purse for her keys.

But before she could grab them, Philip seized her arm in a sudden, desperate grip.

"Let go!" Celeste struggled instinctively.

Instead, he pulled her closer. "Celeste, if you're willing to forgive me—if we could be friends again—no matter what happens in business, I'll help you find your footing at Duncan Group. Whatever you need—a new project, advice, whatever it is—Nova International can support you. I can help you land our contracts, boost your numbers—"

Celeste stared at him, disbelief growing in her eyes.

Nova International—she'd poured her heart and soul into building that company too.

If she wanted help from Nova, there were plenty of people willing to lend her a hand. Did she really need Philip's charity?

She wrenched her arm free, glaring.

"I started that company with you from nothing, Philip. I helped take Nova International public."

"And if I could do that, I can stand on my own at Duncan Group. Don't overestimate yourself. And don't touch me again, or I'll call the police."

He hadn't expected to run into Alfred here, not now. Caught off guard, he stammered, "Mr. Alfred, I—I'm with Nova International—"

"Come here," Alfred said, his voice calm but commanding, his gaze never leaving Celeste.

Celeste snapped out of her shock. She had no idea Alfred lived across the hall, nor why he was calling her over, but she didn't hesitate. She walked straight into his apartment, never looking back.

Philip watched her go, a storm of emotions crashing through him.

His voice died in his throat, leaving a lump that felt impossible to swallow.

"Celly—"

Bang.

Alfred closed the door firmly behind her, cutting off Philip's unfinished plea.