Chapter 36
Alfred broke the silence, gazing out at the passing scenery. His voice was calm, almost detached. “Everyone in the Hopkins family is two–faced. Behind closed doors, there’s always one mess after another.”
Regrets?
There was only one thing Celeste truly regretted.
She regretted waiting for Philip all those foolish years, convincing herself that one day Viola would simply walk away.
“I have no regrets.”
Celeste leaned her head against the cool glass, neon lights streaking past like fragments of memory. “The Duncan family isn’t any better, really. Besides, marrying you came with its perks. I got the better end of the deal, Alfred, so why would I regret it?”
Getting the better end of the deal…
So, was it just because there was something in it for her? Was that why Celeste didn’t regret their marriage?
Alfred’s fingers tapped restlessly on his knee.
He could handle being ignored or openly mocked by his own family. He’d faced ruthless boardroom battles without flinching. But somehow, every reason Celeste gave unsettled him in ways he couldn’t explain.
Before his thoughts could spiral, Celeste spoke up again.
“Neither of our families are exactly saints, but at least we have each other to lean on.”
“We’re a business arrangement, not a love story. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be family. You backed me up at the Duncan company. I’ll be by your side when you go home. We don’t have to win every argument–just having a little peace, even for a moment, is enough.”
“If there’s one place in this world where I can feel at ease, I think that’s already a blessing.”
As she finished, Celeste turned, sensing his gaze. Alfred looked back at her.
Their eyes met.
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Celeste gave him a gentle, almost nostalgic smile.
To Alfred, her face in that instant overlapped with the memory of the girl she’d been
so many years ago.
All this time, and Celeste was still so warm, so kind.
Most important of all, she was here–right beside him.
In the hush of the car, two hearts that had always seemed distant quietly drew closer.
The car turned smoothly into Moonwater Grove.
Alfred walked Celeste to the door.
“I’ve got a few things to finish at the office. If you need anything, just text me.”
“Working this late? You work too hard.”
Celeste waved goodnight and closed the door behind her.
She pulled up Alfred’s office address on her phone and ordered him a late–night meal.
He hadn’t eaten much at dinner, after all.
When she finished, Celeste started reaching out to her contacts in Asterwynn, searching for anyone interested in partnering with Duncan Group.
After a round of calls, Eclipse Enterprises was first to respond, impressed by Celeste’s reputation and eager to work with her–they sent over a contract almost immediately.
She’d built her career in Silvercrest, and now, even in a new city, she could bring in top projects for Duncan Group with ease.
By contrast, Beverly hadn’t landed a single deal in a month.
With Duncan Group in Herbert and his daughter’s hands, bankruptcy seemed inevitable.
What a waste of her mother’s hard work.
Her gaze hardened. She set up a meeting with Eclipse Enterprises for the next morning–but before she could settle in, the doorbell rang.
The building manager stood outside with a steaming takeout bag.
“This is from Mr. Hopkins. He asked us to deliver it straight to your door.”
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Chapter 36
“Thank you.”
Celeste accepted the meal, surprised but smiling as she caught the aroma. “Perfect timing. I was just getting hungry.”
Across town, Alfred glanced at the takeout on his desk, noticing the note Celeste had left: *Don’t forget to drink something warm.* He put his paperwork aside.
Dinner first.
Under the city’s neon glow, each at their own window, they ate in silence–hearts warmed in spite of the distance.
The next day.
Contract signed with Eclipse Enterprises, Celeste headed straight to Duncan Group. She tossed the agreement onto Herbert’s desk. “Beverly, it’s time for you to step
down.”
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