Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 96

"If you don't go to the hospital today and apologize to Miss Viola, Celeste, I will immediately strip you of every position you hold at Duncan Group. I don't care that you're my own daughter—trying to harm a client in front of everyone is inexcusable! I could even call the police and have you arrested!"

Celeste wasn't afraid of the police. If the truth came out, she could clear her name—and wouldn't that be even better? But losing everything at Duncan Group… That would mean starting over from scratch, building her own company, and only then trying to take Duncan Group back.

But why should she apologize to a woman who staged her own little drama?

Celeste pressed her lips together, torn.

Beverly, seeing her hesitation and sensing victory, lifted her chin with a smug, taunting smile. "Big sister's always been stubborn. I suppose it's beneath you to bow your head to your ex's new girlfriend. Maybe you'd rather just quit the company—"

Before she could finish, Celeste cut her off with a cold, sharp look that made Beverly freeze. The words died in her throat—terrifying!

Knock, knock.

The door opened. All three turned to see Mack stepping in, respectful as ever.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm here to escort Mrs. Hopkins downstairs. Mr. Alfred is waiting for her to join him for lunch."

"What lunch?" Beverly snapped, unwilling to let go of the perfect opportunity to attack Celeste, even in front of Mack. "Celeste nearly got someone killed! She doesn't deserve to walk out and have lunch—unless, of course, she's on her way to the police station for attempted murder!"

Mack's eyes narrowed. "I'll be sure to relay your words directly to Mr. Alfred," he said evenly. "But unless there's an arrest or charges, Mrs. Hopkins is still a free citizen. She cannot be detained against her will, not even by her own family."

He turned to Celeste, his tone gentle. "Mrs. Hopkins, would you like to join Mr. Alfred for lunch?"

Celeste was about to thank Mack for rescuing her when she climbed into the car and saw Alfred sitting beside her, laptop open in his lap.

She blinked in surprise. "It's the middle of the workday. Aren't you busy? Why…"

"I had some free time," Alfred replied, closing his laptop over a screen full of spreadsheets. His tone was light. "Thought I'd steal you away for lunch."

She hesitated. She'd seen those endless reports on his screen. He was anything but free. He'd carved out time just to help her.

Celeste lowered her eyes, her feelings a tangled mess.