Alfred opened his eyes, and the shadows that usually lingered there vanished in an
instant.
“Deadbeat guy, shameless girl–actually, that’s a pretty fitting description,” he remarked, almost amused.
Celeste’s gaze drifted around the room and landed on a stack of glossy brochures
beside him.
“Silvercrest?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, it’s the new shopping center project in Silvercrest.”
She picked up the top brochure, flipping through the pages until her finger paused on a cluster of highlighted developments. “I wouldn’t recommend these spots. Unlike Asterwynn, where the crowd is more evenly spread out, in Silvercrest people tend to cluster together. Instead of slashing the budget and going after the cheap real estate, you’d be better off raising your sights and aiming for the prime location–the heart of the whole development.”
She tapped the brochure again. “The cheaper areas in Silvercrest just aren’t worth the gamble.”
One by one, Celeste pointed out the flaws in each project, clearly knowing Silvercrest like the back of her hand.
Alfred listened carefully, his expression attentive. “You really know Silvercrest inside out.”
“I’m planning a site visit,” Celeste replied, “but I’ll need a local rep to help me get around.”
For once, it was Alfred who looked a little surprised.
“So, you want me to be your local rep?” he asked, voice calm as ever.
He shrugged, unbothered. “That’s up to you.”
For a fleeting moment, Celeste wondered if she’d been reading too much into things.
“Well, why not? It’ll give me a chance to visit my aunt, too. After a brief pause, she agreed. “When do we leave?”
Ever since returning to Asterwynn, she’d been caught up in Duncan family affairs. If
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she could bring her aunt back with her this time, all the better.
Alfred closed the brochures slowly, almost as if he’d just accomplished what he set out to do. A barely–there smile played at his lips. “Tomorrow.”
The next day, after packing their things, the two of them headed straight to Silvercrest.
The moment their plane touched down, Alfred got in touch with his contacts and arranged for a few things.
When they finally arrived at Pearl’s house, Alfred had his driver haul out armfuls of gifts from the trunk, stacking them so high that they nearly blocked the front door.
Pearl had always worried that Celeste’s arranged marriage would bring her nothing but heartache. But seeing Alfred now–dressed in a tailored Italian three–piece suit, arms loaded with gifts, standing respectfully beside Celeste and greeting her with a courteous, “Aunt Pearl“-she found herself reassured.
He was thoughtful, at least.
Maybe not as familiar and easygoing as Philip, but what he lacked in history, he made up for in respect–toward both Celeste and herself.
Pearl’s face broke into a warm smile as she ushered them inside. “Oh, Cece, bring Alfred in and have a seat. Just leave the gifts by the door–no one’s going to take
them.”
It had been a while since they last saw each other, so Pearl wasted no time fussing over Celeste, making sure she was eating well, sleeping enough, and not working too hard.
Celeste felt a pang of emotion. When she left last time, Philip’s coldness had made it easier to go, but now, seeing her aunt again, she couldn’t help but feel reluctant to leave.
After all, for so many years, Aunt Pearl had been the closest thing she had to a
mother.
“Aunt Pearl, Celeste said suddenly, “you and my cousin have been living in Silvercrest for years now. Have you ever thought about moving back to Asterwynn?
She knew her aunt had always wanted to return–only the Duncan family had treated her like a stain on their reputation. With her son still in school, Pearl had
Chapter 60
been afraid of the gossip and trouble, so she’d hidden her longing for home and stayed put.
Pearl sighed at the question, a trace of helplessness in her smile. “I know you’re all grown up now, but your cousin still hasn’t graduated. Transferring schools is suc.. a hassle…”
“I can help,” Alfred, who’d been quietly listening this whole time, finally spoke up.
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