Chapter 16 Erased
Nathaniel released Celeste, his gaze betraying a suppressed pain.
Celeste’s pale neck was marked with bruising fingerprints.
She gasped for fresh air, her heart aching.
She thought Nathaniel was truly ruthless.
Only his repeated betrayals could push her to finally let go.
Leaning against Briar, she shot him a cold and piercing glare.
Nathaniel, towering over her, leaned in once more.
He gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. His deep, unfeeling eyes locked with hers as he said flatly, “Celeste, remember this: from the beginning, our relationship was just a joke to me. If you dare show up and cause a scene again, don’t blame me if I have no mercy and destroy you. Celeste, leave this place and get as far away as you can.”
Celeste had a smile on his face, but it was as cold and distant as if it came from the depths of an icy realm.
Chapter 16 Erased
2/5
She forcefully shoved Nathaniel’s hand away, her heart throbbing painfully, the sensation spreading through her limbs, her face now devoid of warmth. “Nathaniel, the pain you’ve caused me, I will make sure to repay you, every bit of it. I’ll give you back the same deceit you inflicted on me.”
Her eyes were filled with raw hatred.
Nathaniel clenched his hands tightly, struggling to control the emotions flickering in his eyes.
“If you really have the skill to do that, I wouldn’t mind you trying to get it back from me.” He smirked, his gaze filled with disdain.
Celeste had no weakness; her only soft spot was the connection between them.
She took out a wet wipe from her bag and elegantly wiped the spot where Nathaniel had touched her, as if it were tainted.
Her actions were a direct insult to him.
Nathaniel said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “Celeste, do you really think you’re so clean? Didn’t you have a grand time while I was away those months?”
Celeste shuddered at his words. “What do you mean by that?”
Chapter 16 Erased
3/5
Hearing this, Madelynn quickly intervened. “Nathaniel, stop making things difficult for Ms. Hartley. Aren’t you here to shop
with me and buy me gifts? Let’s focus on that.”
She thought, “The two have clearly fallen out–one disgusted, the other feeling sullied. This is a perfect opportunity for me to strike two birds with one stone.
Nathaniel turned to Briar with a commanding tone. “Use the card. Have all these clothes delivered to this address.”
Briar angrily accepted the card and proceeded to check out.
Celeste gave Briar a reassuring glance, and Briar went to pay.
Madelynn looked at Celeste with a feigned apology. “Ms. Hartley, I’m sorry for taking your clothes, but Nathaniel loves me so much I can’t disregard his affection.”
Celeste felt a surge of disgust. “Ms. Madelynn Hartley, these clothes suit your scheming mind quite well.”
Madelynn’s gaze was sharp, clearly irritated.
Celeste was proving difficult to control. When it came to scheming, Madelynn prided herself on her unmatched cunning.
She thought, “I’m capable of making my plans seamless and,
Chapter 16 Erased
if needed, making Celeste disappear without a trace.”
Celeste gave a casual smile and left the boutique, not even sparing Nathaniel a glance.
4/5
As she walked away, Nathaniel’s words lingered in her mind,
sparking curiosity.
A few months ago, Nathaniel had been on a business trip, and it was around that time he had supposedly fallen for Madelynn.
He was blaming her for his own distasteful actions.
Back in the car, Celeste sent a message to Landry Knox: [Look into what happened with Nathaniel in Easland four months ago.]
Landry said: [Got it, boss.]
Celeste picked up some groceries from the underground parking lot supermarket and returned to Royal Estate.
As soon as she got home, she received a call from Landry.
“Landry,” Celeste said, heading into the kitchen with her groceries.
Landry responded, “Boss, all information about Nathaniel’s
Chapter 16 Erased
time in Easland has been erased.”
5/5
Celeste was puzzled. “How could this happen?”
Landry said, “I find it strange too. It looks like someone deliberately erased Nathaniel’s itinerary.”
Celeste gazed out the window. It was early autumn, but the weather was still sweltering. She sighed, deciding that Nathaniel’s affairs were no longer her concern.
“Alright, it’s fine. Hang up now.”
Celeste ended the call and dialed Everly.
“Ms. Hartley,” Everly answered promptly.
Celeste instructed, “Eve, have the painting delivered.”
