Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 90

"With your status, Mrs. Hopkins, you could easily have someone else handle these matters for you."

"The streets at night are always dangerous. What if she runs into a thug? If that thug gets any ideas and... ruins her, scars her face—well, would Mr. Alfred still care for her then?"

Mrs. Hopkins couldn't help but laugh. She lifted her eyes, looking past Viola's expectant gaze to address someone behind her.

"What do you think, Mr. Alfred? Is this a workable solution?"

"..."

Viola froze, following Mrs. Hopkins' line of sight over her shoulder.

Standing right behind her, side by side, were Alfred and Philip.

Startled, Viola nearly jumped out of her skin, her words tangling in her throat.

"Philip, Mr. Alfred, I was just—"

"Viola, what on earth are you saying to Mrs. Hopkins?" Philip demanded, yanking her away. His eyes darted anxiously between Alfred and Celeste, searching their faces for a reaction. Both seemed calm—surprisingly so—but neither spoke a word.

Uncertain what to make of their silence, Philip quickly apologized, pulling Viola aside, his patience wearing thin for once.

"Are you trying to make things worse? Telling Mrs. Hopkins about Celeste—how could that possibly help her, or the company? Viola, you need to stop this."

Hearing this, Viola realized there was no way out. She burst into tears, flinging herself into Philip's arms.

"I'm not trying to stir up trouble! I just know you care about Celeste. No matter what Mrs. Hopkins does, you'll always protect her! Celeste won't listen to anyone—not unless someone like Mrs. Hopkins steps in and forces her hand. Maybe then she'll finally come to her senses..."

"As long as you and Celeste can be happy together, I—I'll take the blame. I'll confess everything to Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Hopkins if that's what it takes!"

If she fell into Alfred's hands, she knew there'd be no getting out unscathed.

Besides, Viola really did mean well for both him and Celeste.

Philip hesitated, torn for a moment, but his resolve softened.

"Forget it. I know you meant well."

"I accept your apology on my wife's behalf," he said quietly.

Celeste blinked, suddenly understanding.

No matter how hard Philip tried to defend her, he already had Viola at his side.

The storm of emotion inside her faded in an instant.

She gently intertwined her fingers with Alfred's and looked at Philip.

"The rumors about me and Mr. Alfred—I'm really not bothered by them."

The sight of their joined hands stung Philip to his core.

What was this supposed to mean?

The Celly he loved—was she really just a plaything for Alfred and his wife?