Celeste rubbed her temples.
“It’s nothing, just bumped my head by accident.”
Relief washed over Herbert and the other two, their shoulders visibly relaxing.
But Alfred kept his finger pressed gently against the wound, his voice turning icier.
“I want the truth.”
“That is the truth.”
Celeste narrowed her eyes and caught the hint of a smirk playing at the corner of Amanda’s mouth.
Feigning discomfort, she leaned forward, resting her head lightly against Alfred’s chest, and continued, “They made me say that… They didn’t want you to get angry. at Beverly.”
Troublesome girl!
Herbert cursed inwardly, sweat beading on his brow, though outwardly he forced a
smile.
Alfred immediately wrapped his arms around Celeste in a tender, protective gesture, his gaze sweeping over to Herbert like a cold blade.
“What happened?”
“Oh, it was just the girls fooling around at home,” Herbert stammered. “Sisters always bicker and mess about growing up–it was nothing, really.”
Alfred fell silent. The pause lasted only seconds, but to Herbert and the others, it stretched on agonizingly.
“What did she hit her head on?* Alfred’s fingertip traced soothing circles on the back of Celeste’s neck.
*A mug,” Celeste replied.
She could feel the gentle, reassuring touch–something she wasn’t quite used to–but since he was playing along, she went with it.
Alfred arched an eyebrow.
“Mack, fetch me a mug from inside.”
”
“Yes, sir.”
Mack quickly returned with a small ceramic mug.
Alfred didn’t take it self: instead, he guided Celeste’s hand to accept it.
“If it was just a bit of fun between sisters, you should play a little joke on your sister in return. Keeps the bond strong, doesn’t it?”
“Huh? I’m not sure that’s a good idea…” Celeste rolled the mug between her palms, feigning hesitation. “What if I accidentally scratch her face?”
“Sisters roughhousing–it’s never a big deal. That’s what Mr. Duncan just said, isn’t it?” Alfred glanced meaningfully at Herbert.
Talk about digging your own grave!
Herbert felt alarm bells ringing in his head.
The moment Beverly heard any mention of her face getting hurt, she darted behind Amanda, hiding quickly.
She still had a date with Jasper–no way could she risk a scratch!
Seeing this, Amanda grabbed Herbert’s sleeve and shook her head
furiously–absolutely not!
“T–this really isn’t necessary,” Herbert stammered, forcing a laugh. “Celeste, your sister didn’t mean it. Why don’t I have her apologize to you instead?”
“If Beverly apologizes, does that mean I still have to cough up two million to help
you
fix up the family chapel?” Celeste put on an innocent look, gazing at Herbert with wide, questioning eyes.
“The Duncans can’t afford repairs without squeezing money from the younger generation?” Alfred asked, his voice sharp as ice.
Herbert felt Alfred’s cold stare and wiped the sweat from his brow.
“N–no! Of course not–something like that is a parent’s responsibility, not the
children’s.”
“And my medical bills?” Celeste tapped her temple. “That’ll be, let’s see… at least half a million.”
Herbert fell silent, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Half a million? Is she kidding?
17:15
υπάμιες ου
But with Alfred’s icy gaze fixed on him, he couldn’t risk offending Celeste. He could only grit his teeth and nod.
“Of course, half a million for my daughter’s treatment–absolutely, that’s how it should be.”
Celeste felt a rush of satisfaction. “I’ve just sent you my account details.”
17:15
