Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 387

She had been looking forward to further collaboration, but then she learned that Kismet Collective had swapped her out.

Yolande bit her lip, her eyes welling with tears, looking like the victim of terrible bullying.

Bagehot's heart clenched, and he quickened his pace.

"Lisa, why must one woman make things so difficult for another? This is the withdrawal and transfer agreement that Celestine signed voluntarily."

He shielded Yolande behind him and handed Lisa the document.

Lisa's face darkened as she read through the agreement.

"If it's because of a car accident, that's truly a shame. But is Celestine really unable to even hold a pen?"

Some time ago, an order had come from above to delay the competition.

She had seen Velvet Noir's livestream, and Celestine's hand did seem to be bandaged.

What a pity…

It seemed Celestine's chance at this competition was over.

Bagehot also put on a regretful expression. "Yes, her hand was severely injured. I've been urging her to rest and recover. Her trip to Silvermere is not just for work, but also to see a specialist about her hand."

Lisa nodded. "Alright, then. I wish you the best of luck. Please give her my regards."

"Of course," Bagehot replied, a flash of triumph in his eyes.

***

By the time Celestine got through to Bagehot on the phone, the competition had already officially started.

"Mr. Kelsey, you went to such great lengths to get me out of the way just so Yolande could compete, didn't you?"

"Celly, that's hurtful. I gave the opportunity in Silvermere to you, not anyone else. That was me looking out for you, trusting you. The company's issues needed to be resolved quickly, so I had to arrange your trip in a hurry. I admit I didn't explain things clearly, and there was a misunderstanding," Bagehot said, holding a cigarette, his tone devoid of any guilt.

Celestine laughed coldly. "And what about The Prescott Group competition? As far as I know, they notified the company before I left. Why didn't you tell me?"

"How… How are you here?"

Celestine smiled faintly. "You seem disappointed to see me here?"

"Of course not, Celly…" Bagehot's smile was awkward.

"In that case, Mr. Kelsey, shouldn't you make good on your promise?"

"Celly, here's the thing. Because you weren't in the country, Yolande has already stepped in for you and entered the competition. She's representing the entire company, Kismet Collective's reputation. You can't make a scene."

Bagehot's smile slowly took on a threatening edge.

The man who had just sworn on the phone that he would let her compete seemed to be a different person entirely.

Celestine wasn't surprised by this outcome.

"Oh? You're so certain Yolande can win?" she asked coldly.