Chapter 34

Celeste and Annie retreated to the balcony after putting Eloise to sleep, each with a drink in hand. The gentle summer night air caressed them, teasing loose strands of hair around Celeste's temples. Just as Annie retrieved her phone, a notification illuminated the screen. Her expression shifted to one of shock as she read the message. "Mr. Wrenford Senior is being admitted to the hospital. Did you know anything about this?" Celeste's brow furrowed in surprise. She hadn't received any news of this. Annie quickly offered her the phone. Celeste's gaze fell upon the message displayed on the screen. Alaric had suffered a sudden episode of chest tightness the previous night, necessitating an emergency rush to the hospital. His condition had been stabilized for the time being, but he remained hospitalized. Despite the seriousness of the situation, no one from the Wrenford family had seen fit to inform her. She could rationalize Adrian's silence, given the superficial nature of their r