Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 78

Just moments ago, Herbert had forced her to come over and keep Philip company, completely disregarding her wishes.

Now, after reading through the proposal and project details, the father and daughter duo wanted to toss her aside as if she were useless.

Did they really think the world worked that way?

"Business is business. Whatever personal issues I have with Philip, it's none of your concern. The contract is all in black and white—if he wants to break the agreement, he'll just have to pay the penalty fee. Neither the Duncan Group nor I will lose out."

Herbert was left speechless, choking on her words.

Beverly slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet. "Sister! You really are ungrateful, aren't you? Don't forget, it was Dad who went out of his way to put you in this position—"

"The only reason the Duncan Group is still standing is because of my mother. I've earned my place here, and I have every right to be where I am. But you? You weren't even born into the Duncan family. You just carry our name. Do you really think you have the right to stand here and challenge me?"

Celeste's cold, knife-edged glare stabbed straight into Beverly, making her gasp in pain.

Click—

The door swung open again. Beverly, still seething with anger, was forced to swallow it down, her chest tight with frustration.

Philip stepped in, quickly sensing the tension in the room.

"I'd like to have a word with Celeste. Alone."

"But this project is mine—" Beverly's eyes filled with grievance.

"The decision is mine to make."

Philip cut her off coldly, completely unmoved by her protest.

Herbert, seeing the situation, hurriedly grabbed Beverly and ushered her into the next meeting room. Beverly shook off his hand, near tears. "Dad! Are you just going to stand by and let her mock me? Let outsiders bully me?"

"The project comes first," Herbert said, keeping his voice low. "Once the deal is signed, I'll find a way to help you."

He cast a glance toward the white wall separating the two rooms, as if he could see through it to where Philip and Celeste now sat.

"Ways?" Philip's tone turned icy as he abruptly cut her off, his face hardening as he slid his phone toward her, the screen glowing. "You mean leaning on another woman's husband?"

On the phone's screen, a photo: Alfred, leaning in to talk with another woman.

The woman's back was elegantly arched, a wineglass twirling carelessly in her hand as she conversed with him. Alfred, as always, looked stoic, but his eyes were fixed on the woman—almost intimate.

Celeste narrowed her eyes, puzzled. In the photo, Alfred looked colder with that woman than he ever did with her. Where was the supposed intimacy?

Philip kept going.

"That's Alfred's wife. Mr. Alfred has a reputation, and his new bride is just as distinguished. If she finds out he's keeping a mistress on the side, do you really think she'll let you off the hook?"

"Celeste, I'm warning you out of old times' sake—quit while you're ahead. If Alfred's wife decides to come after you, someone as cold as him is never going to protect you."

"But I'm different. If you come back to me, I'll forget everything and we can talk about marriage again."