A few of the family elders shook their heads in disapproval.
“Raised outside all these years, and look how wild she’s become. If you marry her off, she’ll only bring disgrace to the Duncan family.”
“Find someone to teach her some proper manners. Even the wildest spirit can be tamed if you break their will.”
“Herbert, the Hopkins family is the wealthiest in Asterwynn, controlling a fortune worth billions. The Duncan family’s future may hinge on this marriage. We don’t expect her to achieve anything remarkable, but she must not stir up trouble.”
Herbert Duncan’s face was stormy, his expression darkening by the second.
“Cece, enough of this nonsense! Come here and greet your elders.“.
Celeste pulled her suitcase forward, her gaze steady as she strode past Herbert and swept it over the group of kindly–faced old men.
The Duncan family’s roots ran deep in Asterwynn. In centuries past, their ancestors had held high–ranking government posts–a source of immense pride. But what their descendants failed to inherit in glory, they more than made up for in outdated
rules.
They prided themselves on being an old and noble house, but they’d always looked down on Celeste’s mother for being an orphan. They hadn’t even given her a wedding, yet it was her mother’s skill and hard work that had helped build the Duncan Group into what it was today.
Back when Herbert had brought Amanda and Beverly home to join the family, Celeste had gone to the elders, seeking their support. But they’d simply shrugged and said, with Herbert’s status, having several wives was nothing out of the
ordinary.
Utterly shameless.
“If you all think I’m too wild and marrying me off to the Hopkins family will only embarrass you, then why not let Beverly take my place? You always said I’ve done nothing for the Duncan Group, and now you want to erase my mother from the family records as well? Fine. To show my filial devotion, I’ll report to the Duncan Group tomorrow!”
The elders‘ beards quivered with indignation, at a loss for words.
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Herbert’s face turned a sickly shade of green, but he struggled to keep his temper in
check.
“Cece, what are you talking about? You’re my eldest daughter. How could I possibly let Beverly steal your engagement?”
Celeste let out a cold laugh.
“I may not come back to Asterwynn often, but I’m not so clueless that I’ve never heard of Mr. Alfred. You’re just afraid your precious Beverly will end up married to a man who can’t have children, condemned to a lonely marriage. Don’t bother playing the doting father in front of me.”
Herbert’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
The truth about Mr. Alfred’s health was impossible to hide, but there was something Celeste didn’t know. To ensure the Hopkins fortune wouldn’t leave the family, Derek–on his deathbed–had forced Mr. Alfred to sign a will. All his assets would one day go to his only nephew. In other words, whoever married Mr. Alfred would get nothing. No matter how handsome or charming he was, not a single woman was willing to marry him for love or money.
Herbert had planned to coax Celeste into this marriage, but now that she was openly challenging him, he didn’t bother pretending anymore.
“You and I are father and daughter, there’s no need for pleasantries,” he said coldly. “The Duncan Group has a project stuck in Mr. Alfred’s hands. Gather your things and go meet him.”
Celeste considered for a moment, then nodded. Before coming to Asterwynn, she’d done her homework; she knew just how important this project was to the Duncan
Group.
“I have two conditions. First, once I secure the project, I want to be the one to
oversee it.”
“And what makes you think you deserve that?” Beverly burst out, stamping her foot in frustration. This project was supposed to be her ticket into the Hopkins family. She had no desire to marry Mr. Alfred–she wanted Jasper Hopkins, the true heir.
Celeste glanced at her coolly. “Then why don’t you marry him?”
Beverly fell silent, unable to retort.
Herbert hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But the Duncan Group isn’t mine alone. If you mess this up, you’re never to mention working at the company again.”
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Celeste didn’t answer directly. Instead, she lifted a finger and pointed upstairs.
“My second condition: clear out my old room. I’m moving in tonight.”
Beverly, already furious at losing both her job and her room, looked like she might explode.
“I don’t agree to this!”
Celeste couldn’t be bothered to argue. She let go of her suitcase, turned, and headed for the door.
“I’ll go get the marriage license with Mr. Alfred right now.”
