The next morning.
It was Celeste’s first official day on the job.
She stepped through the door.
Waiting outside was a sharply dressed man, carrying a warm bag of food. He greeted her with a pleasant smile.
“Miss Duncan, my name is Mack. Mr. Alfred asked me to bring you breakfast.”
Inside the bag was an impressive spread, still steaming.
Celeste blinked in surprise.
Apparently, Alfred wasn’t quite the man people made him out to be.
He was respectful and–at least so far–thoughtful in his role as husband.
Even when Philip inherited the family fortune, with all the power and wealth that came with it, he’d never bothered to have an assistant bring Celeste breakfast, let alone on time.
“Thank you, Mack. And please, thank Mr. Alfred for me as well.”
She accepted the generous bag and stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor, intending to catch a cab to Duncan Group.
Mack followed her in, pushing the button for the parking garage.
“Mr. Alfred also asked me to drive you to Duncan Group this morning.”
Celeste raised her brows–she hadn’t expected Alfred to be this considerate, but she didn’t refuse his kindness.
Duncan Group.
News of Celeste joining the family business had already spread overnight.
At the morning meeting, the Duncan family’s relatives, shareholders, and managers were all present, every seat filled.
Officially, it was a “welcome” for the heiress.
In reality, it was a show of force.
She had barely taken her place before Herbert spoke up. “After discussion, we’ve all
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agreed that it would be best for you to start with an Internship in Public Relation handling client events. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can then gradually move into management.”
Celeste didn’t bat an eye.
PR was the front line–schmoozing with executives, signing contracts, but far removed from any real company power.
Most people her age, with her pride, would have bristled at such an obvious slight.
But Celeste simply stood, smiled calmly, and replied, “If that’s what you’ve all decided, I accept.”
A beat of silence, then shock rippled through the room.
Without another word, Celeste circled the table, heels clicking smartly, and strode
for the door.
Halfway out, she paused, suddenly remembering her manners, and turned a bright gaze on everyone assembled.
“I look forward to working with you all.”
She was smiling, but a chill ran down everyone’s spine.
Outside the conference room, Celeste found Mack waiting quietly by the door. She was surprised–and slightly exasperated.
“Company work tends to stay behind closed doors,” she said gently. “You’ll probably need to wait outside from now on. Tomorrow, just drop me off at the entrance.”
“My apologies.” Mack dipped his head and left.
They walked in opposite directions.
Celeste smiled to herself. The people at Duncan Group were in such a rush, but her journey was just beginning.
She spent the day in boredom, counting the hours until quitting time. As she headed out, bag in hand, she bumped into Mack again.
“Miss Duncan, Mr. Alfred is waiting for you.”
Celeste arched an eyebrow. For a newlywed, Mr. Alfred was going above and beyond.
Once in the car, she noticed Alfred sitting with his eyes closed, as if resting. She spoke softly, “You don’t have to pick me up, Mr. Alfred. I can manage on my own.”
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Chapter D
Alfred opened his eyes, his gaze suddenly intense. “My grandfather keeps a close watch on my marriage. He wants to know where I go, who I see–everything.”
Celeste nodded, understanding. In a family like the Hopkins, none of this was surprising.
She could only agree.
When they arrived back at Moonwater Grove, Celeste had barely set foot out of the car when Alfred’s voice called from behind her.
“Tomorrow, I’m taking you to meet my grandfather. So, how good are you at acting?”
His tone was calm, but the question caught Celeste off guard. She paused, tilting her head, “I’m… decent?”
Suddenly, Alfred reached out and took her by the wrist.
Even through the thin fabric of her sleeve, Celeste could feel the warmth of his hand–almost hot.
His suit cuff brushed lightly against her skin.
It tickled, just a little.
In that moment, Celeste could feel her fingers tense, every joint stiff.
It wasn’t that she minded–just that she wasn’t used to it.
Noticing how tense she’d become, Alfred let her go.
