Chapter 35

In a discreet room on the second floor, Robert and Celeste quietly observed the grand hall of the Hampton family home. Through the one-way window, they had an unobstructed view of the proceedings below, invisible to those outside. Captivated by the scene, Celeste remarked excitedly, "I just saw Catherina. She talked with the other girls of the Hampton family for a long time. She looks beautiful and docile, but I just feel that she is not in good spirits." Unable to hear the distant conversation, they could only speculate about Catherina’s apparent distress. Turning to her son, Celeste noted his cold, detached expression. "Why don't you have any reaction at all? Do you like her or not? If you do, we can settle it as soon as possible!" Robert, his temples throbbing from Celeste’s persistent chatter, regretted agreeing to attend. He had no interest in an engagement, particularly not with someone like Catherina. Although the words eluded him, he could read lips and had deciphered the earli