Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 316

But Vernon had intentionally left one crucial step out—he never mentioned that the whole incident would be shared online first.

Sometimes, you didn’t have to play by the book.

This so-called “saint” went on and on about justice and fairness, but when it came to asking for money, she never hesitated for a second.

“What about blackmail?” Gideon pressed.

“For cases like Ms. Lane’s, where the amount extorted is substantial, the penalty is a minimum of three years and up to ten years in prison.”

This time, he didn’t leave out any details.

Jade thought they were standing up for her, trying to intimidate Celestine, and she was practically giddy with satisfaction.

Gideon’s voice grew cold. “Did you hear that?”

“Did you hear that, sis? Mr. Prescott is talking to you!” Jade was practically bouncing, eager to see Celestine’s reaction.

She knew Celestine wasn’t hurting for money.

After years of being married into the Fordham family, Celestine surely had her own little stash tucked away.

If only they could get it all out of her—then all those years in the Fordham house would have been for nothing.

“I’m talking to you, Ms. Lane.”

The words dropped from Gideon’s lips like a nightmare.

Jade thought she’d misheard. Hesitant, she asked, “Mr. Prescott, are you talking to me?”

Gone was the easygoing look on Gideon’s face.

Now, his eyes were as cold and merciless as stone, staring at her as if she were nothing more than trash.

Jade’s heart skipped a beat.

She tried to reassure herself—surely she was imagining things.

She’d played her role perfectly just now.

She’d even managed to act like the dutiful daughter.

But then, just as her mind started to spiral, her own voice—the recording of her earlier accusations—suddenly blared through the hospital room.

When the audio reached the part where she called Celestine the real murderer and demanded fifty million in compensation, the volume was turned all the way up.

Only then did Jade realize, far too late, who their real target was.

“Mr. Prescott, you understand me, don’t you? I only made those recordings so I could remind my sister to behave better in the future, right?” Jade clung desperately to hope.

Celestine sighed, her tone helpless. “Grandpa.”

She knew it had taken every ounce of her grandfather’s self-control to hold back this long.

Even she hadn’t expected him to tip out of bed like that earlier.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” Luther coughed softly, then finally seemed to notice that there was a stranger in the room. “And you are?”

Gideon instantly straightened up, his earlier nonchalance gone. With a polite smile, he introduced himself, “Good afternoon, sir. My name is Gideon. I’m a friend of Celly’s.”

He was so formal that Celestine couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been possessed by someone else.

Luther’s eyes flicked up and down, sizing the young man up, then darted back to Celestine.

Something’s up, he thought.

He narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat. “Funny, Celly’s never mentioned you before. How did you two meet? How old are you? What does your family do? How many people in your household? Are you married?”

Off to the side, Pete was eyeing Gideon just as warily.

The barrage of questions didn’t faze Gideon, but Celestine wanted to crawl under the bed from embarrassment.

Grandpa, why are you asking if he’s married?!