Marriage or profit
904 Words
Chapter 5POV: Celeste Sebastian“I get it, I get it!” Connor laughed, slapping Xavier on the shoulder like he’d just won a prize. “You’re a good man. I’m lucky to have you as my son-in-law.”But the moment they stepped out from behind the curtains, the festive air shattered.The video—my truth—had already spread through the crowd. The room buzzed with whispered outrage and shocked gasps.“Can you believe it? A father selling his own daughter to an old man for profit!”“They said Celeste ran off with someone else, but this—this is the real story. Viv and Clara schemed to cover it up. It’s disgusting.”“And Clara? I thought she was decent. But siding with her mother against her own sister? Heartless.”The words cut deeper than I expected. I watched Connor’s face flush crimson as eyes darted to him, pointing and murmuring.He opened his mouth, desperate to explain, but I stepped forward, linking my arm through his with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes.“Dad, calm down. Take your time explaining to everyone,” I said softly.His panic was obvious. How could he stay calm when the banquet was unraveling before him? I knew this night wasn’t going to end well for him—or for anyone.My lips curled into a small smile. The chaos unfolding was as satisfying as I imagined.“Dad, I have a lot more to say, but I see you’re busy. I’ll save it for another time.”He probably wished he could tape my mouth shut.Turning, I winked at Xavier. “Same time tomorrow—five o’clock, your place.”His eyes flicked to me, unreadable, before I slipped away.Xavier’s gaze lingered on my retreating form longer than I expected. The girl he once knew—the quiet, obedient Celeste—was gone.“Xavier,” Clara’s voice broke his attention, sharp and possessive. She grasped his hand tightly, her smile full of warning. “Why are you suddenly so close to Celeste? Don’t forget who you belong to.”He shrugged her off gently, his hand patting hers as if to soothe a child.“You know there’s nothing between us. Celeste’s words are meant to rile us up.”Clara’s lips pressed into a pout, her eyes narrowing. “I’m not fooled. You’re mine. No one can take you from me.”But Xavier was already scanning the room for me—and I was nowhere to be found.Clara’s smirk deepened.Once inside the car, Kezia couldn’t keep quiet.“Celeste! How did it go? Did your dad like your little ‘gift’?”I chuckled quietly. “He seemed to enjoy it more than I thought.”Kezia grinned and waved her notebook in the air. “Since he liked it, maybe you should show me some appreciation?”I fastened my seatbelt and shot her a look. “First, pay your tuition.”Her face fell dramatically. “Hey, I hacked their computers! Without me, that video never sees the light of day.”I started the engine. “Then I’ll make sure this month’s bonus is worth your effort.”Kezia threw her hands up in Liamy, ready to celebrate. Then her expression turned serious.“Celeste, can I come with you tomorrow? Just in case. Those families—they won’t hesitate to tear you apart.”I glanced at her, half-smiling. “If I wanted a signal, I’d bring a dog instead.”She grinned, but I knew she worried. I didn’t want her dragged into this mess.Connor and Viv were ruthless. If cornered, they wouldn’t stop at me.Five o’clock the next day, I parked at Xavier’s mansion.Something didn’t feel right.A black Bentley sat nearby, dark windows hiding whoever waited inside. I caught the steady gaze of eyes watching me, but I refused to let it unnerve me.I raised my hand and pressed the doorbell.The housekeeper opened the door without emotion.“Mr. Jason is expecting you. Please, follow me.”No sooner had I stepped inside than something flew straight at me.I barely moved my head in time to avoid it—a small, hard object.Connor’s voice thundered, “You really are the daughter I raised—ruining everything.”He slammed a fist on the table, rage spilling over.Viv followed, venom dripping from her words. “Ungrateful. Disrespectful. He’s your father, Celeste! Is this how you repay him?”Their fury was a boiling storm.But I was calm. I had been ready.Xavier’s expression was cold, distant.“Celeste, no one else is here. Let’s be clear—I never cared for you. You destroyed my engagement last night. I won’t blame you for that. Just don’t come bothering me again.”I slid onto the sofa, smirking.“We’re all adults here. Let’s talk business—break the engagement, and discuss the compensation from your family and my mother’s will.”“Scoundrel!” Connor growled, looming over me.“You’ve dragged me into this, and now you dare speak of the will?” His voice was thunderous.Xavier frowned. “We canceled the engagement. What compensation?”Their eyes gleamed with the predator’s hunger.I swallowed hard. Strength and steel hid the knot in my stomach.Then, the doorbell rang again.The housekeeper answered, then froze.“M-Mr. Enzo Cole is here,” she stammered.
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