[3]

Busy schedules, regimented meals, limited time off, but the pinnacle of popularity as a hired gun still couldn't make Celine satisfied. It would have been nice. If she kept her name and the life she had lived until she was two-three. No need to work too hard just to get back what she once enjoyed.

It was difficult and hard, but Celine had to do it. There was no way she could continue to lament her luxurious life that suddenly vanished before her eyes. As well as many other collapses that came into her life. Even so, she will never forget what happened. Especially when he began to be overshadowed by his past. Inevitably, her encounters with Andrew and Fania were... true. Only Fania. The one who could make Celine remember her past.

Taking a sip of the wine that accompanied her tonight, somehow her memory returned to their conversation that was far from intimate. In the past, the two of them could be said to have spent quite a bit of time just eating meat sandwiches together.

"I didn't expect you to appear in public."

Celine, who was enjoying her portion of steak, could only sneer. chewing slowly as if Fania's words meant nothing. She savored one piece after another, occasionally returning Fania's gaze no less intensely.

"You just want to stay like that, Celine?" asked Fania in an annoyed tone. She wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue, and placed her cutlery back on the side of her plate.

"What should I say?" Celine grinned slightly. "Asking you not to tell Grandpa Gilbert?" She wagged her finger dismissively. "Seriously." She straightened her back as she said with a glare, slightly intimidating her interlocutor. Which made Fania frown in displeasure. "I'm just letting them know that I'm fine in my world."

"We were worried about you," Fania said calmly. Born with the familiar Langham blood, where many people always gave her a stressful appraising look, as well as having to assume in her heart how others would judge her. Which meant, Fania was used to pressure. And what Celine had done was nothing compared to that.

Fania guessed that Celine was also used to the pressure around her.

"Tsk!" Celine put down her cutlery rather roughly. Fortunately, she had already finished her portion of steak. Her parents' bankruptcy had taught her to be frugal, so frugal that the places she used to dine at could be counted on her fingers when she was starting out. Now?

He can freely eat as much as he wants. Plus his personal money will never decrease. There are many donors who give up some of their money to support Celine. Does she regret it or feel disgusted? Not at all. Celine enjoyed it.

To the point, those people begged for her love. Then... she threw them away. Without caring if some of them said they sincerely loved her.

"Worried about me?" Celine looked back at Fania with a look that was beginning to fill with anger. "Why don't you tell me honestly that you're afraid I'll do something wrong?"

Fania growled under her breath.

"Ah, looking at your expression, I'm sure my guess is correct." The dark-haired girl chuckled in satisfaction. "Take it easy, tell your dear mother, my sweet and generous mother's sister. Ah... generous, yes." Celine didn't care that Fania's eyes were now darkening. "Generous only in public, but to see her sister collapse, to be slandered, to be made to have nothing, to not care at all."

"Enough, Celine!" warned Fania.

"What's enough?" Celine grinned slyly. "It's the truth, Fania. Don't blind me too much with your arrogance. I thought you were different but you're just the same, just like Jacob who insulted me to the lowest point of my existence." He got up from his seat and grabbed his bag. But before she could leave, Celine said in a soft but emotional tone. "You don't have to worry about me going back to the family that people think is the best family. I've been banished, haven't I? My family has brought you guys into disrepute, right? so it's up to me to live my life as it is now."

"You're still Langham, Celine!"

Celine turned her head sarcastically. "Really?"

"Grandpa Gilbert will take action if you cross the line."

Celine was suddenly disgusted at the mention of that name. "Act? Go ahead. I'm not afraid. To me, Langham is dead, buried with the body of my father who was viciously slandered. And thank you for making me feel what life really means."

Not wanting to continue a conversation that would surely make Celine open her old wounds, she walked away. Just like that. without saying goodbye and without turning to her cousin. she also slightly ignored the public attention that was suddenly focused on her. Luckily for her, she entered a mall that was known to be elite and quite guarded for privacy issues. Even so, whispers were clearly heard around Celine.

Who doesn't know the model whose name has shot up like a rocket in the last few months? Especially since the show was a success in the eyes of the world, thanks to SEO fashion as the main supporter. her name and face have graced many magazines and several advertising media spread in several strategic points. Not to mention that she was lined up to be one of the brand ambassadors of an international class perfume company; Channel.

Although she has not yet signed a cooperation contract, the news that is spreading has made Celine even more excited.

And getting closer to her goal.

"Your car, Miss," said one of the valet parking attendants who pulled over Celine's white Porche. She smiled kindly and thanked him for the service. The staff was flabbergasted, perhaps mesmerized by Celine's honey-sweet smile. Perhaps it was also the tip the staff had just received from Celine.

As soon as Celine got into her car, the smile faded away, replaced with a cold look that did not want to be disturbed. Running the car's engine, she quickly arrived at her destination; an apartment in one of Centralia's posh districts.

"Over the limit?" He grinned slightly. leaning his back to enjoy the lazy night while turning up the volume on the audio that was playing Arinna Grande-Problem again. "Let's see what limits I can cross for you."

The loud ringing of her cell phone interrupted Celine's reverie. She chuckled but still approached the cell phone, emphasizing her vision so as not to misunderstand the name on the screen.

Once... she ignored it.

Twice... she just stared without interest.

Three times... a message appeared on her phone screen.

[Mr. Jody Varens: Next week's banquet is confirmed with Desmond coming. But unfortunately, I'm really sorry my sweetie. I can't take you. My damn wife knows about the invitation. What can I do to make amends?"]

A faint smirk appeared at the corner of Celine's lips. The only person who could launch her plan was Justin. So then, he was the one she contacted.

"You're such a nutcase!" cursed Justin on the other end, but Celine only responded with laughter. She knew Justin would make it happen.

"I'll have Irena take care of it. You just need to be prepared but I don't want you alone! You have to be with Giselle."

"Justin is an asshole!!!"