“Your mother–in–law?!”
Herbert’s breath caught in his throat. That was quite a promotion for Celeste’s mother!
He didn’t dare hesitate. He jumped in immediately.
“Of course she belongs! How could she not? I’ll see to it right away!”
“Herbert, you-”
“Enough!” Herbert roared at Amanda. “How could Mr. Alfred’s mother–in–law not have a place in the Duncan family memorial? We’re all family! There’s no need to draw lines between us.”
Amanda was so furious she nearly fainted, clutching her chest as she gasped for air.
Beverly was equally incensed–she lost her appetite entirely and helped Amanda from the table.
With the matter settled, Celeste and Alfred quietly finished their meal.
After dinner, Herbert tried to persuade them to stay the night, but Alfred gently took
Celeste’s hand in his.
“Sorry, but we already have plans.”
Herbert had no choice but to watch as the two of them left.
On the drive home, Celeste turned to Alfred, her tone sincere.
“Mr. Alfred, thank you for today. I owe you one. If the Hopkins family ever needs anything from me, just say the word.”
Alfred adjusted his cufflinks with an air of indifference, his voice half–amused. “Are you really keeping score?”
Celeste considered herself not particularly close to him; his moods were unpredictable, hard to read. Now, she found herself at a loss over the meaning
behind his words.
She could only respond politely.
“I truly appreciate you playing along today. Maybe you just wanted to save face for
the Hopkins family, but I’m sincerely grateful–not just giving you lip service.”
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20:21
Chapter 39
Alfred’s face suddenly cooled, leaving Celeste puzzled.
Had she said something wrong again?
Then again, Alfred was always unpredictable. Just because he’d been pleasant for a few days didn’t mean she should expect too much.
Back at Moonwater Grove, Celeste curled up on the sofa.
The matter of her mother’s memorial shouldn’t be delayed. Since Herbert had finally given her an opening, she needed to act quickly.
After a few moments‘ thought, she picked up her phone and messaged Herbert.
Two days later, her mother’s memorial was formally brought into the family chapel. Herbert never replied, but Celeste wasn’t surprised.
In the meantime, she’d arranged for a priest and a string quartet. If she was going to do this, she was going to make it grand–Amanda wouldn’t know what hit her.
On the day of the ceremony, Celeste arrived at the chapel with her entourage.
As expected, Herbert and several Duncan family elders were already there.
Usually gentle and demure, Amanda now stood among the crowd, speaking with poise.
“She was Herbert’s first wife. We would never deliberately make things difficult or keep her from the chapel. It’s just that the priest we consulted said today is not the right day for such a ceremony-”
“Not the right day for a memorial, is it?” Celeste’s heels clicked sharply against the marble as she strode forward, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. She stopped just a few steps from Amanda and smiled sweetly. “Did the priest really say that, or did you read the stars yourself? Afraid my mother’s memorial will ruin your own plans for a spot in the family history?”
The bluntness of her words drained the color from Amanda’s face.
Herbert rushed to smooth things over. “What are you saying? Of course, the priest-”
“Which matters more–the priest’s opinion, or Alfred’s?” Celeste cut him off coldly. “If the Hopkins family hears about this and loses faith in the Duncans, decides not to cooperate anymore… well, I’m sure the family finances won’t be so lucky.”
At that, Herbert felt a chill run down his spine.
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