Chapter 10

Adrian's fingers, which had been tapping absently, came to a sudden halt. Those sharp, fox-like eyes turned to Celeste, and a faint glimmer of amusement danced within them. He'd expected her to be a fragile flower that was pampered and soft. Instead, she was a wild weed that thrived in the harshest wind. She was a woman with ambition, and one who had just managed to catch his interest. Celeste noticed the shift in his gaze, but everything she'd said so far had been nothing but the truth. The world had changed. If there was even the slightest chance to climb higher and to pull herself out of the mud, she would take it. Everyone—anyone—could become a stepping stone. "I didn't expect you to be so ambitious, Ms. Morin," Adrian said while slowly rising to his feet and bracing both hands on the edge of the desk. His eyes locked onto hers. "In that case, Damien's loss really is... unfortunate." She offered him a cool, indifferent smile. Damien had only ever had eyes for Lucy. If anyone was thrilled about the divorce, it was him. Only outsiders would have called it unfortunate. "When someone's gone, the warmth fades with them," she said calmly. "In the end, it's the time shared that matters most—because when you finally reach the end, you realize the outcome was always going to be the same." Her eyes shimmered with a quiet, aching sorrow. Adrian didn't know the details of their marriage, nor had he cared to probe. But in every word she spoke, there was the unmistakable tone of someone letting go. When he remained silent, Celeste turned to leave. "It's late, Mr. Wrenford. You should get some rest. I should be going." She had just turned when his voice stopped her. "Ms. Morin." "Yes?" Adrian held out a business card. "Marriages in high society aren't as simple as you might think. Getting in is hard, but getting out might be even harder. If you ever need help, I'll be there." Celeste stared at the card for a moment, surprised. She knew what he meant. After the divorce, she'd walk away with half of Damien's assets. Of course she understood. What she didn't expect was him offering to help. He noticed her hesitation and added, "I have the best legal team in the business. If it comes to that, you can come to me." "Thank you, Mr. Wrenford." After a brief pause, she reached out and took the card. Adrian spoke again. "You don't seem fully recovered. Would you like a driver?" "No need." She glanced back at him, and her striking eyes softened just a little under the glow. "It's easier to get a cab here than at the Wrenford residence. I'll manage." Before he could respond, Celeste was already heading toward the door. As Adrian watched her retreating figure, a slight curve touched his lips. He knew very well—she wouldn't come to him easily. Still, he gave her the card anyway. Because people who could catch his interest were rare. Her footsteps faded into the distance. Then, the phone on his desk buzzed. Adrian picked it up. Joshua's voice came through the line. "Mr. Wrenford, we've looked into the emerald sculpture you wanted repaired. "According to experts, the only person capable of restoring it is Shelley Davidson. But she's been off the grid for three years. It's as if she vanished into thin air. No one's been able to contact her." "Then keep looking. I don't care what it takes. I want her found." He stepped back to the window, gazing out at the night. His cold and sharp reflection stared back at him in the glass. That emerald sculpture, shaped like an orchid, was the only thing Audrey had left him. It had been shattered in an accident. Ever since his return to the country, he'd had Joshua searching for someone—anyone—who could restore it. "Yes, Mr. Wrenford." … Meanwhile, Damien had originally planned to drop Lucy and Lucian off at home. But on the way, Margot called. Alaric had apparently flown into a rage after they left, and she asked Damien to come back to calm him down. Damien had always respected Alaric. He wouldn't have said no. "But is Lucian well enough to go back?" Lucy asked softly while still seated in the car. "I'm fine, Lucy. I feel a lot better now." Lucian leaned against her, offering a faint smile. When the three of them returned to the Wrenford residence, it was already past 9:00 pm. Alaric refused to come down, so Margot went upstairs to get him. The others sat on the couch and waited. Lucian looked around, clearly bored, then turned to Lucy. "Lucy, this was your first time visiting our home. I'm sorry it turned out like this. I hope you're not too upset." Lucy's expression darkened slightly. "I didn't expect things to get so out of hand, ruining what should've been a pleasant family dinner." "You didn't ruin anything. Lucian and I both know who's really responsible. This wasn't your fault, so don't blame yourself." Damien's voice was firm but gentle. Lucy nodded with crimson eyes and instinctively leaned closer to him. Damien reached out and gently rubbed her back. "Dad?" "What is it?" Damien turned to face Lucian. Lucian tilted his head up and pursed his lips. "Is it true that you and Mom are really getting divorced?" Damien stiffened. Celeste's face flashed through his mind. Her attitude and behaviour tonight—so resolute, so cold—it had caught him completely off guard "Dad, if you and Mom really do get divorced, does that mean… you'll be with Lucy instead?" When Damien didn't respond, Lucian asked again with his bright eyes watching him carefully. Those clear, glimmering eyes were fixed intently on him, waiting for an answer. Beneath the hope in his gaze lingered something else—a faint, almost invisible sadness. Lucy was truly wonderful. She could sing, act, and always took him out to play or surprised him with toys he loved. But Celeste… her cooking was delicious, and she made the most beautiful clothes. And every piece of clothing from age three to six, she'd sewn it all by hand. Whenever he wore those clothes out, people would stop to compliment him. They were one-of-a-kind—things money couldn't buy. Caught between the two, he didn't know what to feel or choose. It was a choice with no right answer. Beside him, Lucy lifted her eyes to Damien's handsome profile, filled with quiet anticipation. But then, Damien, who had stayed silent until now, spoke suddenly with fury in his eyes. "She's been to prison," he said bluntly, not bothering to hide his disdain. "I don't get why she has the nerve to ask for a divorce. "Where else can she possibly go, if not stay with the Wrenford family? She's just acting out—do you really think she's actually going to walk away?"