Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 98

Derek actually let himself be charmed by her feigned innocence, sighing as he tapped her on the forehead. "I expect to see more flowers in the garden soon. But if you and Alfred are plotting to fool your old grandpa, just wait and see how I'll deal with you both."

"All right, Grandpa. Whatever you say."

Celeste grinned instead of getting upset, moving closer to win him over with her sweetness.

It didn't take long before Derek was laughing out loud at her antics, the stern lines of his face softened into delight.

Mack watched the scene, utterly dumbfounded.

Derek was famous for being impossible to please—yet Miss Duncan had coaxed him into submission with just a few sweet words and a playful act?

"So this is what a true lady can do," Mack muttered under his breath.

"Go order the flowers," Alfred said, his lips curving in a rare smile. The instruction was clearly for Mack, but Alfred didn't even spare him a glance.

Mack caught the hint, quickly heading off to take care of it.

Laughter echoed through the living room, the sound of an unexpected warmth.

After a while, Celeste glanced at the clock, worried Derek might get hungry after his recovery. She stood, intending to check on dinner.

But Derek reached out, stopping her. "Come here for a moment."

"I just want to ask the kitchen about dinner. You're still recovering—you shouldn't go hungry," Celeste insisted gently. She could keep up a playful banter, but when it came to real care, she never shirked her responsibilities.

Derek's eyes softened as he drew her down beside him, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.

"These belonged to Alfred's grandmother. They've been in the family for generations," he said, handing her the box.

Celeste opened it, her breath catching. The jewelry was clearly antique, but the gold and jade hadn't lost their luster, and the craftsmanship was exquisite.

She could feel the weight of the pieces—valuable not just in money, but in meaning. They were Alfred's grandmother's heirlooms.

"It's a pity she didn't live to see Alfred get married," Derek said, his voice rough with emotion. "These should have been yours long ago, but I wanted to keep them just a little longer. Now, it's time they were passed on."

"So—this is the jewelry Grandma left for Mom, and now it's just been handed over to the younger generation?"

Celeste turned to see a stately, elegantly dressed woman standing in the doorway, Jasper at her side.

This had to be Jasper's mother—Gerald's wife—Magda.

There was a flicker of envy in Magda's eyes, though her face remained composed as she greeted Derek with Jasper, inquiring after his health with practiced warmth.

Soon, dinner was announced.

Magda slipped her arm through Celeste's as they walked toward the dining room. As they passed a row of cabinets, Magda's gaze lingered on the jade bracelet encircling Celeste's wrist, now dangerously close to the cabinet's edge. In a sudden, calculated move, she stumbled.

"Oh—dear!"

Celeste's wrist, with the jade bracelet, slammed hard against the corner of the cabinet.