Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 89

As soon as Alfred arrived, Philip grew anxious that Viola might say something she'd regret, so he quickly led her a few steps away.

Celeste, meanwhile, couldn't be bothered to acknowledge either of them. She noticed a stray lock of Alfred's hair and reached up to smooth it.

"No rush," she said lightly. "The entertainment hasn't even started yet."

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Alfred leaned in slightly, letting her fuss over him.

To outsiders, Alfred was always the picture of aloofness, the type who kept everyone at arm's length. So to see him so gentle and affectionate with his mysterious wife sent a ripple of gossip through the crowd.

Celeste paid no attention to their stares, only smiling.

"I don't mind waiting," she teased, "but why isn't there anything sweet at this party?"

"Getting hungry?"

"A little," she admitted in a low voice.

She'd changed into her evening gown, spent ages on her hair and makeup, and since arriving had been waylaid by a string of persistent men—she hadn't managed a single bite to eat.

Alfred's gaze darkened. He summoned a waiter and had him bring over a tray of desserts for Celeste to choose from.

The waiter nodded respectfully and hurried away.

Celeste gave Alfred a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."

"If you really want to thank me, you'd better eat plenty," Alfred drawled, settling in beside her and letting a rare smile soften his lips. "I'd hate to be accused of starving my own wife."

"Then I suppose I should indulge," Celeste replied, playing along with a beaming smile.

The two of them chatted easily, entirely absorbed in one another.

All around, people couldn't help but whisper.

"Mr. Hopkins really does dote on his wife, doesn't he? Look at all the VIPs here—none of them go to such lengths for their partners, especially not in front of everyone."

But Celeste only laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement as she gestured for Viola to take a seat.

"And how exactly do you plan to help me?"

Viola perched on the edge of a VIP seat, emboldened by the invitation. Her tone grew bolder, more careless.

"Mrs. Hopkins, you're smart and beautiful. If Mr. Hopkins is straying, it's only because he's looking for something new. The trick is that word—‘new.'"

"If… if that woman isn't as fresh anymore—if her looks fade, if she loses that figure—would Mr. Hopkins really still be so obsessed with her?"

Celeste turned, catching the malice glittering in Viola's eyes.

With Philip gone, Viola had dropped any pretense of civility.

Celeste said nothing, only fixed Viola with a look of feigned fascination, as if truly considering her suggestion.

Viola, convinced she had Mrs. Hopkins's full attention, pressed on eagerly.