Chapter 7 I do believe her

Ava handed her phone to Nathaniel, leaning in a bit too close as she did. Ava handed her phone to Nathaniel, leaning in a bit too close as she did. "Mr. Ford, she really did take the ten million I gave her, promising you would marry me. But then she backed out right away," Ava said. "Celeste is nothing but a two-faced liar!" she spat. Nathaniel narrowed his eyes as he looked over the transfer records on the phone. They were legit. Next to him, Celeste looked up at him with tears in her eyes, her lips quivering, clearly overwhelmed. "So, Celeste, you took the ten million, didn't you? Mr. Ford, if she was as innocent as she acts, why would she be after my money?" Ava pressed. "Greedy for money," Nathaniel murmured, his eyes downcast as he pondered, then he simply asked, "You took the ten million?" Celeste nodded slightly, her eyes reddening. At this, Ava broke into a smug grin. No man likes a greedy woman! "But I had my reasons," Celeste pleaded, her eyes welling up as she looked up at him, clutching his sleeve, "My sister has always been against me, spreading lies... I used that money to help out the orphanage..." "That old orphanage, needing ten million? Who are you trying to fool?" Ava retorted. "...and the rest I planned to donate to charity," Celeste added softly, her tone gentle yet filled with quiet dignity, managing Ava's scorn with ease. Ava had thought she had a strong case talking about the money but didn't realize that for someone like Nathaniel, ten million was just a drop in the bucket. Ava burst out laughing, pointing at her mockingly, "You, doing charity? Ha! Have you ever even been to a charity gala, you country bumpkin?" Celeste lowered her head, her voice growing softer, "I've lived in the countryside, I've never been to one..." "And you think putting on a show of goodness will make Mr. Ford believe you?" Ava sneered. "I do believe her," Nathaniel cut in, firmly holding Celeste's delicate hand, his cool gaze turning sharply towards Ava, "My wife grew up in the countryside and hasn't seen much of the world. But from now on, I'll make sure she gets to see it all." "Regarding a charity gala..." he continued, displaying little personal interest in such events, but mentioned that Isaac had given him an invitation to a charity auction that evening. He handed the invitation to Celeste, "Please attend this for me in a couple of days." "What?" Celeste was surprised. Before she could say anything, Ava sucked in a breath in disbelief. Looking at the gold-embossed invitation, Ava's eyes widened. "The Sisyphus Charity Auction? It's one of the most prestigious events in Sea City!" Even the Sterling family, who were quite well-off, struggled to get invitations to Sisnian events! Ava was clearly rattled, "Mr. Ford, how can you let her attend, this country bumpkin—" "Enough," Nathaniel said, his patience finally running out. He had tried to be considerate, given Ava was somewhat related through his wife, but her constant meddling had pushed him too far. The butler wasted no time stepping in, firmly ushering the still-yelling Ava out the door. As Celeste listened to Ava's fading curses, a glint of resolve flashed in her eyes. She quickly sent out a text. "Need to send someone a warning." Her tolerance had its limits, and Ava's incessant interference called for a lesson. …… Later that night, Ava left the Ford family home in a huff, ranting to her mother over the phone. "Mom, you should have seen her arrogance! She ignored me completely and even snagged an invite to the Sisyphus event! What if she climbs the social ladder? Are we supposed to grovel before her then?" "Her? Climbing the social ladder?" Jessica scoffed. "She's a nobody trying to mingle with high society. She'll only embarrass herself. Here's what we'll do—I'll have your father pull some strings to get you an invite too. Let everyone see what real class looks like in the Sterling family!" "That's perfect. I can't wait to see her fall flat on her face... Ahh!!" Before Ava could finish her sentence, a shadow appeared out of nowhere. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain as two fierce punches landed on her chest. "Who are you? Why are you... Ah, don't hit me... not the chest..." …… Meanwhile, Celeste was lounging comfortably on a soft bed, enjoying a facial mask and chuckling at a video a friend had sent her. The video showed Ava, pride wounded and her supposed assets deflated—apparently, her implants had burst. She'd definitely need to make an urgent hospital visit. Looks like Ava won't be flaunting her F-cups any time soon. "What's so funny?" a warm, deep voice asked from behind. Startled, Celeste quickly closed the video and playfully grabbed a towel to dry his hair. Just out of the shower, he was wrapped in just a towel, modestly covering the essentials but confidently showing off his sculpted body. His wet hair hung over his forehead, water droplets tracing a path down his chiseled chest and abs, disappearing into the towel's folds. Underneath that towel, Celeste knew well the impressive size of what lay hidden. The room fell silent. She absentmindedly dried his back, her lips unconsciously parting...