Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 82

Bright red blood dripped steadily onto the floor, each drop echoing in the sudden hush that filled the room.

Viola stumbled back two steps, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at the gash on the back of Celeste's hand. Her whole body trembled.

"I—I didn't mean to…"

A sharp chime broke the silence—the elevator doors slid open.

Philip rushed in, phone still in hand, intending to stop Viola. But the moment he saw Celeste's bleeding hand, his eyes widened in alarm and he hurried to her side, steadying her by the shoulders.

"Celeste! You're hurt. Let me take you to the hospital—"

"Don't touch me."

Celeste hissed through the pain, instinctively shrugging Philip off with her shoulder.

She fumbled to free her hand, trying to punch in the code to her apartment. The cut looked dramatic, but really, it was just a scrape—nothing serious.

The elevator chimed again. Mack hurried in, breathless.

"Miss Duncan, you're injured! Mr. Alfred is almost here; let me get you to a doctor."

"It's nothing, just a scratch."

Celeste brushed past Philip.

Mack immediately stepped in, gently supporting her shoulder and blocking Philip from following.

"Mr. Alfred got word from building security. He rushed back the moment he heard—this is a nasty cut, you need to see a doctor."

"He…"

Celeste was taken aback.

She'd only messaged security as a precaution; she hadn't expected Alfred to be alerted, let alone make it home so quickly.

She was still processing this when Mack was already leading her into the elevator.

Seeing she could still joke about it, Alfred's expression cooled.

"Find another place to stay. Moonwater Grove isn't safe anymore."

"Moonwater Grove is perfectly safe. They're just unhinged—I'll take care of them soon."

As long as Philip and Viola hadn't given up entirely, moving wouldn't make any difference. Danger would follow her anywhere. It was better to stay put and finish this once and for all.

Celeste had her own plans.

Alfred excused himself, citing work, and stepped outside the clinic for a moment.

Even the faint smell of antiseptic clung to his usually immaculate hands. Now, he rubbed his fingers together, eyes dark and cold.

He turned to his assistant, Mack.

"Get me Abelard's number. Now."