Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 99

"Careful there, Magda."

Celeste didn't miss a beat. With one hand, she caught Magda by the arm as her heel slipped. Her other arm shifted just slightly, elbow bracing against the countertop—her jade bracelet unscathed.

"What happened?"

Jasper turned at the commotion.

He saw his mother, hair a little tousled, being supported by Celeste, who was wedged against the counter but looked as composed as ever. Jasper's gaze lingered on Celeste, a spark of admiration flickering in his eyes.

Magda's first instinct was to check the bracelet. Seeing it perfectly intact, a flash of resentment passed through her eyes.

Celeste pretended not to notice. She steadied Magda until she was standing upright again.

"Those stilettos aren't easy to walk in. The floor's slippery here—be careful," Celeste said calmly.

Without waiting for a reply, she walked off toward the kitchen as if nothing had happened, intent on finding out what was being made for Grandpa—if there were any dietary restrictions she should know about.

Magda clung to the counter, her jaw clenched with frustration.

She was Derek's eldest daughter-in-law and hadn't received a single heirloom from Grandma! And now this—Celeste, the third daughter-in-law, barely married in, and already walking away with the whole set of jewelry!

She was about to explode when Alfred appeared behind her. Mack, ever unhurried, stepped up and brushed past Magda, sending her stumbling forward. She nearly collided with the rack of kitchen knives, stifling a scream just in time.

A strong arm caught her.

Magda spun around, meeting Alfred's icy stare.

"You really ought to watch your step, Magda," he said, voice chilly. "If you're careless and get hurt by the knives or anything else, that wouldn't be good, would it?"

With that, Alfred and Mack headed into the kitchen, leaving her shaken and drenched in a cold sweat.

Celeste was about to head back to the office when Herbert called.

"No need to go back to work. Just come home," he said curtly before hanging up.

Left with no choice, Celeste asked Mack to drive her back to the Duncan house.

Let's see what you're up to this time, Herbert, she thought.

Back at the Duncan family home, Herbert greeted her with uncharacteristic warmth and concern.

Celeste didn't react, simply waiting for him to drop the act.

After a few rounds of polite conversation, Herbert's patience wore thin. He got straight to the point.

"The jewelry Derek gave you—it'd be safest if you kept it at your family's place," he said. "After all, if you and Alfred ever have a falling out, or end up divorced, at least you'll still have something to keep, right?"