Chapter Eighty
Celeste’s POV
It didn’t matter how much powder I dabbed under my eyes still looked like a freaking raccoon in the early morning rays. Makeup just couldn’t hide the effects of a sleepless night.
I sighed, leaving the restroom.
“Morning, Grace.” I said, spotting her leaning in the doorway. “You look about as exhausted as I feel.”
She let out a brief chuckle. “I guess you couldn’t sleep either?”
I nodded, heading over to my beloved espresso machine–our best business investment yet.
“Want a coffee?” Lasked, grabbing two cups.
“God, yes. Make it a double.” She said, joining me at the kitchenette. “So, what are our plans for the day?”
I gestured to the working machine.
“First coffee. Lots of coffee.” I said, voice hoarse. “Then we continue with business as usual. We can’t let this hiccup derail our entire operation.”
Grace managed a weak smile as I handed her a cup.
“Slight problem… there is no business to handle.” She said, sipping her coffee.
The grip on my cup tightened until my knuckles turned white. Our backlog of orders had been canceled overnight.
Every. Single. One.
“Then we make more business.” I said, determination coloring my voice. “I have nothing to design or make, so I’ll handle questioning the butler. You can contact our clients and try to persuade them to trust our brand despite public opinion.”
Grace nodded, some color finally returning to her cheeks.
“Yesterday, the butler seemed like the obvious culprit. But why would he risk his cushy job for a necklace?” She mused, tracing a finger along the lip of her cup. “Damien’s been hounding you to work for him. What if he’s involved?”
I paused, then shook my head.
“He definitely has a motive, but I think it’s best to start investigating from where we know the necklace was last seen. Damien is an arrogant asshole, but this attack feels too well–crafted to be his work.”
My phone blared, and I rolled my eyes when I saw the caller ID.
“Speak of the devil.” Grace said when I flashed her the screen before answering.
“What do you want, Damien?” I asked, voice cold enough to bite.
He barked out a chuckle. “Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Or are you moody because your moment in the limelight is over?”
Of course, the prick would call solely to kick me when I’m down.
“If you have nothing to say that concerns Bonnie, I’m hanging up.” I said through gritted teeth.
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter Eighty
“Actually, Celeste, this call’s primary subject is our daughter.” Damien said.
I tapped my foot impatiently. “If something’s wrong, just tell me for god’s sake!”
“Rosemary’s image is shot, Celeste. How will you support yourself, nevermind Bonnie, without an income?” he asked, voice ripe with concern. “I can’t watch the mother of my child suffer like that. Out of the goodness of my heart, I’ll let you continue designing under my company.”
Bitter laughter escaped my lips. “The goodness of your heart? Damien, you’re missing that particular organ.”
“Celeste, I’m offering you a way out of this mess, I still care about you.”
“I’ve told you already, I’ll never work for your company.” I said, grip tightening on the phone. “I can’t believe you need my talent so desperately you’d pounce on the faintest hint of weakness and pretend you’re in love with me– it’s pathetic.”
The line went quiet for several seconds, and then-
“Bonnie wouldn’t want me to leave her failure of a mother to fend for herself on the streets.” Damien’s voice came out low, cruel. “I’m willing to offer you one last deal, Celeste. I’ll resolve your PR crisis if you come back home-”
He paused, and I sensed his smirk through the phone. “As my mistress.”
I stared at the screen in numb disbelief.
The offer was designed to wound my ego, and it did, deeply. I hung up the call–Damien’s disgusting proposition didn’t deserve a response.
“Did the bastard seriously call just to pressure you into working for him?” Grace asked, hands propped angrily on her hips.
I nodded, drained. “That, among other things.”
“He’s a fucking vulture.” She spat.
I shook my head. “That’s an insult to vultures–he’s scum.
She huffed in agreement as I checked the time.
“Ryan wanted to come with me to confront the butler. He should be here by now.”
Grace’s expression turned from fury to curiosity in an instant.
“Does he seriously have a girlfriend?”
I kept my face neutral at the unpleasant reminder.
“Yup.” I said, doing my best to fake nonchalance. “It must be serious since they’re moving in together and his father already approves their marriage.”
Grace shook her head in disbelief. “After you guys slept together like a week ago? I expected better from Ryan.”
“It was a onetime thing–a mistake. This makes it easier to put it behind us.” I shrugged.
She gazed at me with concern. “Are you sure that’s how you feel?”
How I felt didn’t make sense. I pushed the emotional turmoil into the dark recesses of my mind to deal with when I wasn’t in crisis mode.
2/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter Eighty
“Of course. We’re just friends.” I said, finishing the last dregs of my coffee. “I’m going to wait for him by the entrance–we’re running late.”
Just friends. I reminded myself, over and over.
Ryan ran up to me after a couple of minutes, his temple glistening with a sheen of sweat.
“Morning, Celeste.” He shot me a breathtaking dimpled smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting. My new place is further than I realized.”
My eyes flashed and I spoke before I could stop myself.
“Oh, no worries Ryan.” I said, a subtle biting edge to my voice. “Living with your girlfriend is bound to cause all sorts of delays.”
