Chapter 1090

Celine smiled sincerely. “Nathan, welcome home.”
“Thanks,” he said.
“I heard you got married. Is your wife not coming back with you this time?”
Celine had always been curious about Michelle Landon. Rumor had it she was a textbook society heiress.
Nathan let out a short laugh. “Celine, do you have to poke where it hurts? There’s nothing between me and my wife.”
“You two could still fall for each other later,” Celine suggested lightly.
Nathan could only give a helpless smile. “Have you eaten? Let me take you to dinner.”
“Tonight’s on me. You’re just back in the country. Let me welcome you properly,” Celine said.
Nathan walked ahead and pulled the car door open for her like a gentleman. “After you.”
At that moment, Adam was still leaning against his car, smoking, not planning to leave.
Leo answered a call. “Okay, got it.”
He then looked over. “Mr. Alvarez, we just received word. Nathan is back.”
The movement of Adam’s hand stilled. He looked up. “He’s back? And he didn’t tell me?”
As close as they were, Nathan returning without informing him made no sense.
“Mr. Alvarez, there’s one more thing,” Leo said, hesitating.
Adam frowned, noticing Leo’s hesitation. “Just say it. By the way, where did Nathan go?”
“Mr. Lynch went to see Ms. Tate!” Leo said.
What? Adam’s tall, sharp frame went rigid. He knew Nathan well. He knew exactly how Nathan felt about Celine. Two best friends fell for the same woman, and the first thing Nathan did after landing was look for her.
“Where are they now?” Adam asked.
“They’re having dinner at a restaurant,” Leo said.
Adam said nothing, but the
temperature around him seemed to drop to freezing Lee was so scared that he actually held his breath.
Things between him and Celine were already strained. Nathan showing up now felt
like someone slipping in to take his place.
“Mr. Alvarez
Before Leo could say another word, Adam had already flicked away his cigarette and pulled the car door open.
“Mr. Alvarez, your body Leo reached out anxiously.
Adam took out a small bottle of pills. “I have painkillers.”
With that, he said nothing else and drove off.
…
Celine and Nathan arrived at the restaurant and settled into a private room.
“How have you been?” Nathan asked.
“I’ve been good,” Celine said with a faint smile.
“I heard things ended between you and Adam. He’s already preparing to maMs. Hampton. And you’re saving you’ve been good? Nathan replied.
Celine’s hand paused slightly around her spoon. “You already knew about that?”
“Of course. News like that travels. Even overseas!” Nathan said.
There wasn’t much Celine could say to that.
Nathan added, “Since you and Adam are done, does that mean I finally have a chance?”
Celine’s long lashes trembled. She couldn’t believe he was really saying that. She felt awkward.
“Mr. Lynch, you haven’t met my daughter, Bella, have you?”
“I’d love to. I’m sure she’ll like me. I’m very patient!” Nathan replied.
Celine had hoped bringing up Bella would scare him off, but Nathan only doubled down. Apparently stepping in as a stepfather didn’t bother him at all. She had no idea how to respond now.
Just then, the door to the private room swung open, and Adam walked in. “What are you two talking about?”