The people nearby instantly fell silent. Paying for Celeste was one thing, but footing the bill for the Hopkins family was a whole different level.
But Amanda understood all too well- even if she handed over that million dollars, the Hopkins family would never remember her kindness. Why should she play the fool and throw her money away?
Yet, as much as she wanted to argue, Celeste’s logic was airtight. Amanda found herself at a loss for words.
The stalemate was broken by the sound of high heels clicking across the floor. Beverly swept in from the doorway, head held high, a radiant smile on her face as she slid off her sunglasses, arms laden with designer shopping bags.
“Uncles, aunts–what brings everyone here? Don’t tell me you’ve all heard I went on a date with Jasper today?”
Everyone stared, wide–eyed.
Beverly had already landed a date with Jasper, the Hopkins family’s golden boy!?
Amanda’s eyes lit up at the sight of her daughter, as if she’d just spotted a lifeline. She hurried over and hooked her arm through Beverly’s.
“Really? How did it go? Was he good to you?”
“He was wonderful,” Beverly replied, chin lifted in pride. “A complete
gentleman–took me out to dinner, bought me all these gifts. Trust me, it won’t be long before I win his heart.”
Smugly, Beverly shot Celeste a sideways glance, her tone dripping with mockery. “Funny, you always come back here alone, sis. Doesn’t Mr. Alfred have even a shred of chivalry? Or does he just not bother to accompany his wife?”
Amanda jumped in immediately, seizing the chance to widen the rift. “Now, Beverly, don’t say that. Celeste isn’t nearly as charming as you. I doubt Mr. Alfred cares for her all that much.”
She was eager to drive a wedge between Celeste and the Hopkins family–if Celeste was on the outs, Amanda could squeeze that million out of her without hesitation.
1/3
17:15
Celeste just smiled faintly. She’d heard of Jasper before, though she hadn’t met him during her last visit to the Hopkins estate.
He was a notorious playboy–compared to Alfred, he didn’t even come close. But, as the only heir of the Hopkins family’s younger generation, he was an attractive target.
So that’s what Amanda was after.
With a soft snort, Celeste replied, “At least Alfred and I are actually married. Jasper spends a little pocket change on you and you think that means he cares?”
Beverly scanned the room, fuming. She hadn’t expected Celeste to embarrass her in front of so many people. “One day, Jasper will inherit everything. And when he does, he’ll marry me. Just wait and see!”
“I’ll be watching,” Celeste said, glancing at her watch. She couldn’t be bothered to waste another minute with them. “Those of you who need to pay, pay up. Those interested in chasing after men, have fun. I’ve got better things to do. Goodbye.”
“Who are you calling a man–chaser!?”
Beverly’s face flushed with anger.
Celeste was about to spin around with another retort, when suddenly–a teacup came flying straight at her.
It struck her squarely on the forehead.
She gasped.
Everyone else sucked in a breath.
Even Beverly was stunned, staring at her own hand, still mid–air. A flicker of panic crossed her face. “W–who told you to call me that!?”
Celeste pressed her hand to her swelling forehead, her eyes turning icy cold.
Utterly classless. She’d actually lost it and thrown something… Celeste had underestimated just how unhinged Beverly could get.
A housemaid hurried in, her face pale with worry.
“Mr. Hopkins is here–he’s waiting outside to take you home, ma’am.”
“Alfred is here!?” Herbert blanched when he saw the bump on Celeste’s forehead. Panic flickered in his eyes. “You–listen to me, not a word about this in front of Alfred! Or your mother’s place in the family crypt is gone for good, you hear me?”
17:15
Chapter 49
Without giving Celeste a chance to protest, Herbert shoved her toward the door,
Celeste’s head was spinning, still ringing from the blow.
Stepping outside, she was momentarily blinded by the porch lights.
Alfred strode toward her, backlit by the glow. As soon as he reached her, his brow furrowed in alarm. He gently pressed his thumb to her bruised forehead, his voice low and dangerous.
“What happened?”
Herbert burst into a fit of coughing, clutching Amanda and Beverly, shooting Celeste a hard warning glare.
