Derek caught the flicker of annoyance in Alfred’s eyes instantly. With a smirk, he leaned in and muttered just loud enough for only the two of them to hear, “You and Celeste have plenty of time together ahead of you, and you can’t even spare a little for your old man?”
Alfred fell silent, finally smoothing the irritation from his face.
Celeste only saw her grandfather’s lips move, but she couldn’t make out what he’d said. She looked puzzled.
“Grandpa?”
“Celeste, all that commotion in the hall is giving me a headache. Why don’t you take a walk with me in the back garden?”
Derek was the head of the Hopkins family; when he spoke, who would dare to object? He simply wanted a private word with her.
Celeste smiled and stepped forward. “Sure, I was just curious about the garden out
back.”
“Wonderful, wonderful,” Derek replied, beaming at her.
Alfred could only watch as the two of them walked away. Mack, ever attentive, leaned in to ask, “Should I follow Madam?”
“With Grandpa there, no one in the main hall would dare try anything,” Alfred said, waving him off. He stepped outside and leaned against the second–floor banister, watching the relatives below offering him their syrupy greetings–though their eyes were full of calculation, sizing him up.
The Hopkins family was no different from a den of wolves, he thought grimly. They just wore a more civilized mask.
Celeste slipped her arm through Derek’s as they stepped into the back garden, a riot of colorful blooms. Derek took his time walking her through the garden, explaining the family’s history and which branch each relative belonged to, listing their roles within the Hopkins estate.
Eventually, they reached a secluded bench nestled among the flowers and sat down.
“Celeste, you must think I’ve been cruel to Alfred,” Derek began. Though it sounded
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Chapter 32
like a question, his tone was matter–of–fact.
Celeste met his gaze without fear and nodded. Yes, he had been harsh–just because Alfred couldn’t continue the family line, all his years of loyalty and hard work seemed to count for nothing.
Derek caught her answer and smiled, a gentle warmth in his eyes. “Seerns Alfred’s lucky to have found a wife like you.”
Usually, no one dared to question Derek’s word.
Celeste could only smile wryly. “If anything, I’m the lucky one. Alfred helped my family through a difficult time. Without him… well, let’s just say picking up the pieces after leaving Philip would have taken me much longer. My plans for the Duncan Group would have been on hold for who knows how long. Alfred was my chance, not the other way around.”
Derek’s smile grew even softer; he patted her shoulder fondly. “I’m glad you feel that way. It sets my mind at ease.”
He hesitated, then continued, “You two are husband and wife now, and you have many years ahead. Don’t let Alfred’s health trouble you, and don’t worry about the inheritance. When my health was failing, I made Alfred sign a will, but I made sure to set something aside for you too. The money won’t all go to his nephew.”
He wanted her to know: marrying into the Hopkins family, whatever happened with Alfred, she’d always have a way out.
Celeste just smiled. “I didn’t marry Alfred for the money. He’s good to me–that’s enough. I can earn my own fortune.”
Every word from her was honest.
Derek studied her for a moment. The warmth faded from his eyes, replaced by the cool, stern expression he wore in daily life. He stood up.
“Take good care of Alfred. Make a real life together.”
“I will,” she promised.
Even if their marriage began as a business arrangement without love, she’d given her word. Husband and wife–they would treat each other with respect, even if affection never ran deep.
Derek gave her a long, meaningful look before turning back toward the main hall, his posture straight and unyielding–gone was the gentle grandfather from moments ago.
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Everyone in the Hopkins family, it seemed, was born with two faces.
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