Chapter 202
Grandma Sterling gripped Millie’s arm so tightly her nails nearly left bruises.
Helena bit her lip, her eyes red with rage, but neither of them dared to speak another word.
They knew Jarred too well. The man always kept his word. The harder they pushed him, the harder he pushed back.
Without another glance, Jarred strode toward the entrance.
The front door opened and shut, and the roar of a car engine quickly faded into the night.
The only sound left in the living room was the pathetic sobbing of the remaining lawyers, slumped or kneeling on the floor.
Grandma Sterling closed her eyes and waved a dismissive hand at Millie.
Taking the hint, Millie stepped forward to help the older woman upstairs.
Helena and Celeste followed in their wheelchairs, leaving Declan behind to clean up the mess.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Helena couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“Look at him! Look at what he’s become p>
Helena was furious and feeling completely wronged. “He’s completely out of control! Spending all that time with Sienna has made him so volatile and arrogant. He has absolutely no respect for his elders p>
She vented for a few more minutes before suddenly remembering something and turning to the quiet Celeste.
“Celeste, you saw how he was. You’re the only one who can get through to him. Once you two are together, you really need to keep him in line. Don’t let him run wild like this p>
Grandma Sterling had calmed down by now. She patted Celeste’s hand, her gaze full of meaning.
“She’s right. Now that Sienna and Jarred are getting a divorce, it’s time to make things official between you two. The Sterlings need a granddaughter-in-law like you p>
They were both so happily plotting out Jarred and Celeste’s future that they entirely missed the strange flicker in Celeste’s eyes.
She kept her elegant smile perfectly in place and dropped a bombshell in a soft, airy tone. “Grandma, Helena, I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you. I already have a boyfriend p>
Both women froze in shock.
Helena was the first to recover, looking thoroughly confused. “Celeste, are you crazy? You know how Jarred feels about you. How could you start dating someone else right now p>
Celeste blinked, putting on an innocent, helpless expression. “Sienna was always misunderstanding my relationship with Jarred, always targeting me. You both know how ugly things got a few times.
I didn’t know what else to do, so I said yes to someone who’s been pursuing me for a long time. He treats me very well p>
Grandma Sterling looked frantic. “But p>
Helena stared blankly for a moment before waving a hand dismissively. “Ugh, is that all?
There’s no problem in this world that money can’t solve. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you. I’ll make sure it’s done cleanly and he leaves you of his own accord p>
Celeste looked hesitant. “Is that really a good idea? He’s been so kind to me, I don’t want to hurt him p>
“Silly girl.” Helena laughed, patting her hand reassuringly. “Leave it to me. I know how to handle these things without hurting anyone p>
Celeste offered a quiet smile and didn’t say anything else.
Helena and the older woman immediately dove into an enthusiastic planning session.
They discussed everything from how to announce the couple’s relationship to how to decorate the reception hall.
Helena even picked out the wedding theme—Champagne Roses paired with Baby’s Breath. It would be elegant, perfectly matching Celeste’s refined aura.
The two of them grew more and more excited, completely oblivious to the woman behind them.
Watching their delusional fantasy play out, Celeste’s lips curled into a disdainful smirk.
A week later.
Owen Sloan’s stint in isolation finally came to an end.
He was completely out of the woods and had been smoothly transferred to the ICU for observation.
As long as his vitals stayed stable for a few more days, he would be moved to a regular room.
The moment the transfer was complete, the attending physician called Sienna into his office.
“Dr. Sloan, Owen’s recovery has been incredibly smooth. Much better than we anticipated p>