Chapter 61
Celeste Carlyle walked out.
Seeing the two people locked in a standoff at the door, her gaze paused on Jarred Sterling for a second before a helpless expression surfaced on her face.
“Jarred p>
“How is Grandmother?” Jarred’s brows immediately furrowed.
“I just coaxed her to sleep,” Celeste sighed softly. “She’s furious. That cane p>
She paused and shook her head. “She refuses to forgive Sienna, no matter what I say p>
The gloom between Jarred’s brows deepened. “Even you can’t get through to her p>
Celeste didn’t answer, her gaze falling on Sienna Sloan, a fleeting look of cunning flashing in her eyes.
Turning back to Jarred, she resumed her gentle, understanding facade.
She shook her head. “You know how it is. The problem isn’t me p>
Standing off to the side, Sienna watched their silent, intimate exchange, feeling a wave of nausea churn in her stomach.
The rumors outside were rampant, claiming Jarred and Celeste were a match made in heaven, mutually in love, and only missing a marriage certificate.
In the past, she could still deceive herself, but right now, watching the way they communicated with just their eyes, she only felt disgusted.
She wanted to leave.
The moment she moved, Jarred clamped a hand around her wrist.
Seeing the irritation in his eyes, Celeste suddenly spoke up softly, “Actually, it’s not entirely hopeless. Grandmother’s temper flares up fast but fades just as quickly. She’s easy to appease p>
Jarred looked at her.
“The one who tied the knot must be the one to untie it,” Celeste said, shifting her gaze to Sienna, her eyes carrying a profound, hidden meaning. “I just don’t know if… Sienna is willing to cooperate p>
Jarred asked, “What do you have in mind p>
“Grandmother has been so stressed lately that she can’t sleep at night,” Celeste’s voice was mild, every word sounding as if she were considering the big picture.
“Sienna is a therapist. If she’s willing to humble herself, personally treat Grandmother, keep her company, and help her work through her resentment, Grandmother might be happy enough to forgive her p>
Hearing this, Sienna laughed out loud on the spot.
The sound was laced with pure sarcasm.
“Ms. Carlyle.” She turned her head, staring at that gentle, harmless face. “Are you seriously asking me to treat your grandmother p>
She knew Celeste too well.
This woman appeared generous about everything on the surface, but her heart was full of calculated malice.
No one in the Sterling family liked Sienna, especially Celeste, who had always viewed her as a thorn in her side and wished she could trample her into the dirt.
Now, she was actually suggesting Sienna get close to the old woman. If this wasn’t a trap, what was?
Celeste glanced at her without a word, instead turning to Jarred with a faint, magnanimous expression.
“To be honest, Jarred, I don’t want to help her at all. But I can’t bear to see Grandmother suffer, nor can I stand seeing you caught in the middle. So, as long as you give the word, I’ll help her earn Grandmother’s forgiveness p>
Sienna practically wanted to applaud her.
With acting skills like this, it was a tragedy she wasn’t in Hollywood.
It was true what they said—no matter how manipulative the words were, there was always a fool ready to buy them.
Jarred patted Celeste’s shoulder, his tone softening. “You’re always the most sensible one p>
Sienna found it absolutely ridiculous. “Ms. Carlyle, save the performance. I’m not falling for it p>
Jarred, however, believed Celeste’s words without a shred of doubt.
In his eyes, Celeste was always gentle, understanding, empathetic, and constantly looking out for him and the Sterling family.
Compared to the defensive, hostile woman standing next to him, the contrast was glaring.
He frowned at Sienna, his tone carrying an unquestionable command. “Grandmother favors Celeste the most. She knows how to please her. Everyone is trying to find a way to help you, so don’t be so ungrateful p>
Ungrateful?
Hearing that dismissive word, Sienna felt a suffocating wave of despair wash over her.