Pearl turned around and squeezed Celeste’s hand. “I… I need to think about it a little more. But you, Cece—you’re really going back to Durican Group to stand up to your father? The days ahead…”
She trailed off, casting a meaningful glance at Alfred.
No one could tell whose side Alfred was really on–Celeste’s, or the Duncan Group’s.
Alfred understood perfectly.
His aunt had always liked him, but this was a business marriage, after all. There were certain things best left unsaid in front of him.
“I’ve got another appointment,” Alfred said, getting up and heading outside to wait in the car.
As Celeste’s gaze lingered after him, Pearl smiled. “Looks like you two get along well.”
“He’s… not quite what the rumors say. There’s no romance between us, but there’s mutual respect.”
Celeste rubbed her face, embarrassed.
Then, she told Pearl everything that had happened since she returned to the Duncan family–especially all that Amanda had done.
Pearl frowned. “And you? Do you really think you can handle them?”
“They’re not worth the trouble,” Celeste said coldly. “Wasting time on Amanda and her mother is pointless. The real goal is to take back control of the Duncan Group.” Whether it meant taking over outright or rooting out the rot, piece by piece, she was determined to see it through.
Pearl saw the fire in her niece’s eyes and couldn’t help but feel proud.
“That’s my girl. I knew you’d rise to the challenge. But listen, you’re fighting this battle all alone in Asterwynn. If you ever feel overwhelmed, call me, okay? I may not be able to do much, but I can always listen.”
She wrapped Celeste in a warm hug.
Celeste nestled into her aunt’s embrace and nodded.
“You’re the best, Aunt Pearl.”
“Then stay a little longer with me.”
Pearl chuckled softly.
Still, they both remembered Alfred was waiting outside, so they didn’t linger too long. Before evening fell, Pearl gently urged Celeste to go.
As she was leaving, Celeste reminded her aunt to really think about coming back to Asterwynn.
“I promise I’ll think about it. You two drive safe,” Pearl said, waving from the doorway, her eyes full of affection.
The car rolled smoothly out of the neighborhood.
Alfred tapped his fingers on the steering wheel:–“Any good restaurants around here?”
“Sorry to keep you waiting downstairs so long. But actually, there’s a great place nearby–I’ll give you
directions.”
Celeste guided him with practiced ease to a bistro on a bustling commercial street. The place wasn’t crowded.
Back when she used to argue with Philip and run to her aunt’s, she loved coming here for dinner with Pearl’s family. That was, until Philip started showing up, trying to coax her home–after that, she’d stopped coming as often.
Tonight, the bistro had just reopened after renovations. The place was buzzing, full of Silvercrest’s elite–colleagues mingling, catching up.
But Celeste was just here for a meal.
“Could we have a quiet table, please? It’s a bit noisy out here.”
“Of course–one moment,” the hostess replied, hurrying off to check.
While they waited, Celeste started to tell Alfred about the house specialties, but he spotted a familiar face across the room–a business acquaintance from Silvercrest. The man had just finished his meal and approached, smiling warmly.
“Mr. Alfred.”
Alfred nodded; clearly, they knew each other.
Celeste recognized the man as a notable figure in Silvercrest’s business scene.
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Figuring they had important matters to discuss, she excused herself. Leaning in, she murmured quietly in Alfred’s ear, “I’ll be in the lounge if you need me.”
Alfred gave her a quick nod.
