Chapter 31
“Mom Marcus looked at Nora, who was being utterly unreasonable, his expression darkening. “Everyone is equal–no one is inherently superior to anyone else.
“Besides, Celeste is my caregiver. Whether she stays or leaves is my decision, not yours. Stay out of it.”
Nora felt humiliated when Marcus reprimanded her publicly. She hadn’t even done anything to Celeste yet, and Marcus was already siding with her.
If I actually did something to her, would he go as far as cutting ties with me over that insignificant girl? Nora thought.
The more Nora looked at Celeste, the more she found her unworthy. They two can never be together.
Tightening her grip on her p
purse. Nora forced herself to suppress the disdain on her face. She had to be careful–if she pushed too hard, it might drive a wedge between her and Marcus.
With a forced smile, Nora turned to Celeste. “Ms. Sinclair, I must apologize. I was out of line earlier. I hope you won’t hold it against me,”
Celeste knew the apology wasn’t sincere, but she also knew Marcus would feel caught in the middle if she made a big deal out of it. So The accepted it graciously. I understand, Mrs. Hale. You didn’t mean what you said, so I won’t take it to heart.”
Nora feigned admiration. “You’re very understanding, Ms. Sinclair. But a mere verbal apology seems insincere. How about I make it up To you with dinner tomorrow?
Celeste was about to decline when Nora pulled out her phone, ready to exchange contact information. Out of politeness, she didn’t refuse.
After they added each other. Nora flashed a saccharine smile and said, “Now that we have each other’s contacts, I’ll send you the restaurant details once I make a reservation.”
Celeste nodded, watching as Nora walked
away.
The moment she was gone, Marcus turned to Celeste, his tone serious. “My mother doesn’t approve of you. If she’s inviting you to dinner, it’s probably a setup. You don’t have to go
Celeste arched a brow. “If I don’t, she’ll just show up at the hospital again and make a scene. I’d rather deal with it head–on. I’m going to take off my makeup and shower, Get some rest.”
With that, Celeste headed into the bathroom. By the time she stepped out, fresh–faced and makeup–free, half an hour had passed. Celeste sat down next to Marcus. “Let me change your bandages.
“You know how to do that?” Marcus asked.
Anyone trained in patient care would know how. And Celeste wasn’t just trained–she had studied medicine. Something as simple as changing bandages was no challenge for her.
Grabbing fresh gauze and herbal cream, Celeste unbuttoned his shirt carefully, disinfected the wound, then applied the cream before wrapping it up with practiced case.
As Celeste worked, her light touch and proximity made Marcus’s heart
pound
Oblivious to his reaction, Celeste tied off the bandage and stood up. “All done. Now you need to take your meds. I’ll get you some water. Celeste walked over to the water dispenser, poured a cup, and handed it to him along with his medication. “Here.”
Marcus glanced at her before tossing the pil
pills back in one go
Once she was sure he had taken them, Celeste lay down on the couch, exhausted. Within minutes, she was asleep.
Marcus leaned against the headboard, his gaze lingering on her sleeping form. He wasn’t sure how long he watched, but eventually, sleep overtook him.
The next morning. Celeste got up early, helped Marcus freshen up, bought him breakfast, and was ready to head home. She hadn’t
1/2
Chapter 31
changed clothes in days and needed a fresh set.
After saying goodbye, Celeste drove back to the Huxley estate. As soon as she arrived, her phone rang. It was Chloe. Annoyed, she rejected the call.
Since they had decided to settle the plagiarism dispute in court, there was no need for any personal communication.
When Chloe called again, Celeste blocked her without hesitation and walked into the house.
Amara had been home the past few days, dealing with Celeste’s school enrollment. Just as she finished, she saw a bright smile, she waved her over. “Celeste, you’re back! Come here–I have great news for you”
Celestr
te step inside. With
“Great news? Curious. Celeste sat down beside Amara. “What is it?”
Amara patted her hand and replied, “Your dad and I heard about you getting expelled from SkyLine University because of your grades, We know that must’ve been tough on you.
better school. Starting next Monday, you’ll be attending Crestwood College with your
“So, to make it up to you, we found an even b brother”
Crestwood College? The school I’ve applied to? Celeste wondered. Then she frowned. “I heard you get in. How did you manage to enroll me?”
need
a minimum score of 1500 to
one spot to sponsor a student.
Amara smiled warmly. “Because your father and I are shareholders. Each shareholder gets o “Your dad used his for Isolde, and I used mine for you. Crestwood College is the top school in Ravenshire. Once you’re in, I’m sure your grades will improve.”
Sensing Celeste’s hesitation, Amara added reassuringly, “Of course, if your grades don’t improve, that’s okay too. As long as you graduate, that’s what matters.
“After all, once you finish school, you’ll be taking over the fam
family business. There’s no need to stress over grades.”
Celeste felt warmth spread through her chest. Having such an understanding mother was a rare kind of comfort.
Just as she was about to speak, Amara continued, “Celeste, your father and I don’t want to pressure you. Don’t put too much yourself, okay!
Celeste had never put pressure on herself. Scoring well had
never been an issue for her.
pressure on
Celeste withdrew her hand and said, “Mom, now that you’re done talking, let me say something too.”
Amara looked at her curiously. “What is it?”
Pulling out her phone, Celeste found the exam details and handed them to Amar Then she spoke up. “After getting expelled from Skyline, I immediately registered for the entrance exam at Crestwood College.
1 already took the test, and if I’m right, the results should be out by now I’m pretty sure I ranked first.”
2/2
