Chapter 8 [7]

Giselle's apartment was different from the one she lived in, but you know, Celine didn't care and had no envy. It was more than enough what Justin gave her. After all, she enjoyed the night living in this apartment that could be considered luxurious. Giselle's taste does give the impression of luxury as well as elegance, exactly what Justin has built for his image.

Also this apartment was often used as a place to share their latest activities on social media-with the approval of SEO management of course. not just randomly they could post something without the agency knowing.

"Are you sure you don't want to go to bed yet?" asked Giselle once again. her nightgown had been replaced with much more comfortable pajamas. Her face had also worn off the make-up that had been quite glamorous. Her hair, which had been in a high ponytail to match the dress she was wearing, was already down. although it was a bit messy but it seemed Giselle didn't really care anymore.

The clock in the living room already pointed to almost midnight. Fortunately, they had nothing scheduled for tomorrow. at all. Instead, they had to pick Ruby up at the airport. They agreed to force her to stop by and stay a few days at Giselle's aparteme. Besides agreeing to eat Ruby's cooking, they were also curious about Ruby's journey this time.

Now that she was Justin's wife, there must be a lot of stories Ruby could share with him. And they were curious, oh of course. Their love story was worth the wait.

"Not yet." Celine laughed. "Your face is so ugly, Giselle. Go to bed first, I'll catch up soon."

"You look like you're hiding something," Giselle leaned closer, folding her arms across her chest in an attempt to ward off the chill. The wind tonight was cold and strong. "I am, aren't I?"

"Smartass." Celine laughed at that. "I have nothing to hide from you, Giselle."

Did Giselle believe it? Absolutely not. ever since their return from the banquet, ah no. ever since they went to the banquet together, Giselle had felt something was fishy. Somehow Giselle had not been able to figure it out. When the intention to find out was so strong, Giselle felt that it was wrong. It was as if she didn't believe anything Celine said. While all this time Celine was the one who accompanied her.

Even strengthening her heart to take a stand and make big decisions.

"Okay," Giselle said with a faint smile. "I know you can count on me to share. Anything, Celine. never hesitate. I'm always there for you."

Celine smiled warmly. "You really are the best friend."

"Of course." Giselle laughed but then stepped aside because her sleepiness was unbearable. Blame it on all the schedules they had but it was all worth it. As well as the fame they gained.

Meanwhile, after Giselle left, Celine returned to breathe in the aroma of the night which was quite soothing. Although she knew it was mixed with the subtle pollution fumes, but at least because of her actions, she felt much calmer.

She did not think about Jacob's words at all. If the man did what he said, Celine didn't care. Being a beggar for his love, Celine would not even pay attention to him except for certain things. Um... it seemed like it was quite worth considering.

"How important is Jacob's position now?" she muttered under her breath, her hands busy fiddling with her phone. And the display he was now enjoying was the news about Jacob Desmond and his achievements.

In the news, it was written that the man was a young entrepreneur who was brave enough to take big risks. He often took on projects with small profits but transformed them into assets that were useful and worth owning. After the passing of Johan Desmond, Jacob's father who passed away a few years ago-when she heard the news, Celine just smiled while enjoying her cola. Because there, there was a woman who was once close but threw her away just because her family fell.

Sobbing at her husband's coffin, while the proud son, could only look down with resignation. It was as if he no longer had the fangs to face the world.

"I guess because of the influence of his name, that's why Jacob is still in control." She continued to scroll through the phone screen and came to the news of the surrender of Hotel Alden, a hotel known for its futuristic shape and the luxury it offered. Not to Jacob, but to the name that was ringing in her head until this moment.

Bryan Desmond.

"This is... his uncle?" her eyes fell on the figure of a man who, in Celine's view, was not suitable to be considered an uncle by Jacob. Was the age difference not too far? but... "No way." Celine chuckled at that. "If he was thirty-eight at that time, does that mean he's forty this year? His face doesn't suggest that age. I can't believe this news."

But Celine's hand betrayed her. Instead, she unconsciously typed Bryan Desmond's name into several social media searches until she found what could only be described as Bryan's personal account.

Complete with his small family. He had a model-like wife and a daughter who felt like a doll. Too adorable and pretty for a five-year-old girl.

"But I never knew this, Bryan." She chose to sit down as she continued to scroll through the many photos of Bryan and his activities. Including the daughter's activities, which were sometimes shared. "Were we ever acquainted?"

Celine tried to dig into her memories of the Desmond family. Apart from Jacob, the only son of Johan and Mariah Desmond, she knew several other relatives. Including the notoriously fussy but delightful Aunt Muriel, who often visited just to bring her homemade apple pie. And what a coincidence, Celine loved the pie.

"That hypocritical family dinner never introduced me to Bryan either." Celine sucked on the tip of her chin. "I wonder who this man is."

Although there was one oddity that caught Celine's eye, it was quickly dispelled by the thought, who was she looking for information from? Which used to be the easiest for her to ask others for help. If you remember the past, Celine's blood surges. Her beautiful life, which was not disturbed by blasphemy and scorn, and being in a fairly high social strata class, made her unprepared when she fell to the ground.

"I won't give up, Celine! Remember that!"

Jacob's last words just after the elevator doors closed rang again. For some reason, Celine felt that the man could benefit her. No matter if she had to pass through the burning embers, as long as her goal could be accomplished and all those who had hurt her felt what she felt, dropping a bit of her pride was definitely not a difficult thing.

After all, she had already discarded her last name. Choosing to live his life the way he wanted, until he believed what was broadcast on almost every television station and newspaper about his father's actions.

"First... Desmond should know that I'm not a woman who can just be thrown away. Ah, all those men who throw women away just because of circumstances and feel that they are the most powerful." Celine grinned slyly. She got up from her seat, letting the wind ruffle her hair even more as it grew stronger. Her hands were firmly clenched, her determination growing. "Secondly... I'm sure Langham knows the true story about my father. I was powerless, now I can turn everything upside down."

Her eyes were firmly closed. Sweet memories with her mother and father came rushing back.

"Wait for me to finish what I started, Papa, Mama. I'll make sure you're at peace there."