Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 351

Dahlia's expression changed, her voice filled with distress. "Raymond, did that woman force you to do this? Where are you now? Don't be afraid, Grandma is coming to bring you home right now!"

"Grandma, I'm fine! I came back to the country to find Mom on my own. I'm here now! I did it all willingly, it has nothing to do with my mom! Please stop yelling at her, you'll hurt her feelings."

Dahlia felt a wave of dizziness. "Where did you say you are? In the country?! How could a child like you get back there alone! It was that little witch, she must have tricked you into going back with her!"

"Grandma, it really wasn't... It was..."

Raymond's face was a mask of conflict.

He wanted to say it was his grandfather, but that was a secret he was keeping from his mother. She absolutely could not find out.

"I came back by myself. Please stop scolding Mom. It makes me sad."

"Raymond, Grandma knows you're a good boy and you're trying to cover for your mother! But you're just a child, how could you withdraw from school? How did you get on a plane?! If it wasn't your mother, was it your grandpa? Or me?! You tell your mother this! If she doesn't hand you over, I will call the police!"

Dahlia's guess drained the color from Raymond's face.

He held the phone, his eyes darting to Celestine's expression.

Celestine calmly took the phone from him. "Come and get him yourself."

With that, she hung up.

She didn't give Dahlia another chance to spew her vitriol.

Dahlia was about to unleash a tirade when she heard the dial tone.

When she tried to call back, she discovered she had been blocked.

"That little witch, Celestine! The absolute nerve!" Dahlia raged.

After hanging up, Celestine went straight back to her room.

Raymond felt a chill run down his spine.

The more she said nothing and asked nothing, the more terrified he became.

Raymond ran back to the study he was temporarily using, found the kid's smartwatch phone hidden in a seam of his pocket, and made an emergency call to Sanderson.

"Grandpa, we have a huge problem!"

"What flight? Back home to where?"

The door to the hospital room was suddenly thrown open, and Sanderson rushed in.

His brow furrowed when he saw Joanna.

Dahlia snapped, "Who else but your wonderful daughter-in-law! She secretly withdrew Raymond from school and took him back to the country! What is she trying to do? Start a rebellion?!"

"Who told you Celly was the one who took Raymond back?!" Sanderson's frown deepened.

"I called Celestine! Raymond was right there beside her and admitted it! If Joanna hadn't been missing Raymond and discovered this, I'd still be in the dark!" Dahlia shot him a reproachful glare. "And you, his grandfather, you're something else. Your own grandson is missing, and you haven't shown a shred of concern!"

Sanderson let out a laugh that was pure anger, turning to question Joanna. "Didn't I tell you to stop meddling in the Fordhams' family affairs?!"

Joanna flinched and hid behind Dahlia.

"Why are you yelling at Joanna! She was just trying to help! If Celia hadn't been with her, Celestine probably would have abducted her too!"

"That's enough! I was the one who sent Raymond back!"