Chapter 88

Celeste smiled as she watched Rowan close the door behind him. She hadn’t expected Rowan to enjoy gossip.

On her clinic’s opening day, the results far exceeded Celeste’s expectations. The patient turnover was well beyond what she had imagined. By the time they wrapped up for the day, the sky had already darkened.

After Rowan left, Celeste planned to head home. She’d just grabbed her bag and was about to stand up when she saw two figures walk in. It was Lucy and Simone.

Celeste’s brows furrowed, and she asked, “What are you two doing here?”

“What else would we be doing at a clinic? We clearly came to consult you about our health,” Simone said, stepping forward and sitting in the examination chair. She placed her hand on her forehead, feigning dizziness. “I feel a bit light-headed. Ms. Morin, care to take a look and see what’s going on?”

Celeste glanced at her. “The clinic is closed. You can go see your dad if you want a check-up.”

“The clinic might be closed, but you’re still here, aren’t you?” Lucy removed her sunglasses. “Why not take her pulse now? Everyone says you’re a great doctor, though I’m not sure if that’s really true.”

“I don’t care how good I am. I’m not going to treat you. Please leave,” Celeste said firmly. She walked briskly to the examination table, her gaze impassive as she pointed toward the door.

Simone’s expression twisted in displeasure. “What kind of clinic kicks out its patients? Do you think anyone will still come to you for treatment if I spread the word?”

“I’ve never heard of a doctor picking and choosing their patients! What a joke.”

“Exactly!” Lucy chimed in. “It looks like you don’t care about your business anymore.”

Celeste defensively said, “I do care about my business, but I have principles. I won’t engage in foolish business practices.”

Simone slammed the table and stood up in one swift motion. “Ms. Morin, you’d better watch your mouth. Who are you calling foolish?”

“You, obviously.” Celeste propped her hands on the table, lifting her eyes to meet theirs, her smile growing ever more mocking.

“You…”

Celeste’s words had hit a nerve, and Simone’s chest heaved as she tried to control her anger. Lucy instinctively grabbed Simone’s arm, pulling her back. Simone fell silent and stepped aside.

“Ms. Morin, I know you’re holding a grudge over what happened before. But that’s all in the past. I hope you don’t continue to look at us with such contempt.”

“Who says I’m looking at you with contempt?” Celeste’s gaze turned to Lucy. “You’ve been after me from the start, even before I went to prison, right?”

Lucy was left speechless.

Celeste’s smile grew colder as she spoke. “If that’s everything, you two can leave now. I won’t be offering you any treatment.” She then pointed once more toward the door.

Lucy shot Celeste a glare before quickly leading Simone out. Celeste watched their retreating figures, her gaze darkening to an almost unbearable level.

Outside the door, Lucy and Simone wore stormy expressions. When they reached their car, Lucy looked up at Simone. “Why haven’t you made any progress on the matter I asked you to take care of?”

“It’s only the first day. It won’t happen that quickly. We’ll probably have to wait until the day after tomorrow.”

Lucy frowned. “Hurry up. I can’t stand her arrogant attitude any longer!” Simone flashed a sly smile. “Don’t worry. She won’t be arrogant for long.”