Chapter 64

Celeste didn't dare continue the conversation with Adrian. She had matters to attend to at the clinic. Bidding him goodbye, she rushed out of the car.

As Adrian watched her retreating figure, his gaze darkened slightly. He lifted a hand and gently brushed his finger against his lips. To this day, no one knew they had kissed—not even Celeste. She was fast asleep that night. Even if partially aware, she probably wouldn't have a complete recollection.

Celeste headed to the clinic. She had scheduled workers to renovate the place. The contract had been delivered two days ago, and she had signed it. Until now, she had yet to meet the landlord in person. The workers told her the renovations would take a week. She planned to use that time to furnish the clinic.

All the licenses had been approved. Once the renovations were complete, she could officially open for business.

The next evening, Celeste received a call from Alaric, asking her to drop by and check on his recovery. She grabbed her medical kit and headed straight to the Wrenford residence.

When she reached the front door, she overheard Damien and Margot conversing in the hall.

“Are you sure that’s what he said?”

“Yes!” Damien replied seriously. “Everyone was there, and he admitted that the young girl is his daughter.”

“Did you send someone to look into it? Who’s the child’s mother?” Margot’s eyes widened in shock.

“I did look into it, but we couldn’t find anything except that the child is staying at Aviso Tower.” His expression darkened, and his demeanor was terrifying.

“Aviso Tower? Isn’t that where Celeste lives? Why would Adrian’s daughter live there?” Margot furrowed her brows. “Don’t tell me there’s something between Adrian and Celeste.”

“That’s impossible!” Damien instantly dismissed the idea. “He must’ve had that child with another woman. It can’t be with Celeste!”

“I know the child can’t be hers. What I’m saying is, what if Celeste is looking after the girl because she has some secret deal with Adrian? Otherwise, why would she help him look after the child?” Margot appeared solemn.

Upon hearing this, Celeste couldn’t stay silent any longer. This was how rumors started. Adrian had anticipated this; that must be why he had carefully gone over the story with her beforehand.

Without hesitation, she strode into the house. “If you don’t know the truth, don’t run your mouths behind people’s backs!”

As soon as she stepped into the living room, the two on the couch turned in surprise, staring at her.

“Why are you here?”

Margot looked guilty. Her eyes darted around anxiously as she avoided making direct eye contact.

“I’m here to check on Alaric’s condition. But instead, I walk in on the two of you gossiping behind my back.” Her lips curled into a cold smirk, and she scoffed. “If you have questions or concerns, feel free to ask me to my face!”

“Celeste, we were just talking about Adrian’s daughter. No one was talking about you.” Margot glared at her with disdain, resuming her position as the matriarch.

Damien approached Celeste and grabbed her wrist before dragging her to the backyard. “Come with me. I’ve got questions to ask you.”