Celeste’s immediate response left Damien speechless with rage. He wondered what she had gone through in prison to become like this. She got out of the car by the side of the road, ready to hail a cab and head home. A pair of gloomy eyes took in the entire scene. Joshua saw Celeste exit Damien’s car through the windshield. As the black Cayenne drove away and disappeared into the distance, he saw her standing at the curb, waiting for a ride. He lowered his voice respectfully and asked the man in the back seat, Mr. Wrenford, “Ms. Morin just got out of Damien’s car. Should we go over?”

Adrian’s eyes darkened as he gazed down at his watch. Just as he was about to reply, he saw her slim figure entering a taxi and pulling away, disappearing in front of them. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. When Joshua saw her leave, he stopped waiting for a reply and stepped on the gas to continue forward.

“Did you manage to get in contact with Shelley?” Adrian asked, while looking at the driver’s seat.

Joshua politely replied, “She seems to have her phone turned off the entire time. I couldn’t contact her. I intended to update you earlier, but was preoccupied with other matters.”

Upon hearing this, Adrian frowned slightly. “It’s been off the whole time?”

“Yes. But I’ll try again later today when I have a minute,” Joshua stated.

Adrian hummed in agreement and said nothing more.

When Celeste returned home, she saw Annie and Eloise eating dinner. She sat with them and ate a quick dinner before focusing her attention on the clinic. The clinic’s renovation had been progressing steadily. If all went well, construction would be completed in just a few days. Tomorrow, she’d have to deal with equipment installations and start searching for a new assistant.

After dropping Eloise off at school the next morning, she went to complete errands. While shopping for supplies, she stooped down to check a stack of plastic bags, the type used to package herbal medication for patients. “Well, if it isn’t Ms. Morin?” A mocking voice pierced the air.

Celeste turned toward the sound, her gaze chilling the moment she saw who stood behind her. It was Lucy and her friend, Simone Carroll. Celeste had no intention of dealing with them. She turned around and resumed selecting plastic bags. Just as she reached a stack, a fair hand darted out and snatched it up first. She ignored the movement and tried again. But once again, the hand beat her to it, snatching exactly what she wanted.

The blatant provocation made her patience snap. She turned toward Simone and asked, “What do you want?”

“Ms. Morin, Simone just wants to buy some bags. Why are you being so hostile?” Lucy jumped to defend her friend, pulling her protectively to her side.

“Does she look like she’s here to shop? She’s taking everything I reach for on purpose!”

“Ms. Morin, last time I checked, this place doesn’t belong to you. This store is part of Grotto Corporation, right? That is Adrian’s company, not your husband’s.” Lucy cocked her head, her lips curling with smug defiance. Celeste had no interest in arguing and turned to leave.

“Ms. Morin, I heard that you took that three million dollars Damien gave you and established some sort of clinic. It’s a big move. Why didn’t you discuss it with him first?”