Chapter 397
Chapter 397
Although Celeste and Wynn both attended the symposium at Quendall University , they had absolutely no interaction the entire day .
By around three in the afternoon , Celeste and Matthias were preparing to leave the university .
As Bryson and the chancellor walked them out , Bryson extended another invitation , “ There’s another seminar this Saturday . I wonder if the two of you … ”
Celeste paused in her steps as her gaze happened to fall on Lilian , who was standing not far
away .
She quickly looked away , pressed her lips together , then replied , “ I’m sorry , I have something important to attend to on Saturday . I won’t be able to make it . ”
After saying their goodbyes to Bryson and the chancellor , Matthias finally asked once their car had pulled away from Quendall University , “ Something was off with your mood just now . What happened ? ”
He had noticed her subtle emotional shift the moment Bryson mentioned Saturday’s event , especially when her gaze landed on Lilian .
Since there were others around , he hadn’t brought it up until now .
Celeste lowered her eyes slightly and said calmly , “ Saturday is my mother’s birthday . ”
Matthias fell silent for a moment .
It was the Shaw and the Locket families that caused her mother to spend years confined to a nursing home . No wonder Celeste had shown such emotion when facing Lilian and Wynn earlier .
After a long pause , he asked , “ What are your thoughts on the Shaw and the Locket families ? ”
Celeste’s hand curled into a fist . “ I don’t want to let them off easily . But- ”
G
But with Trevor protecting them now , even though YodaVision had developed well in recent years , going after them would still be incredibly difficult .
Even if she didn’t say it aloud , Matthias understood .
He offered quietly , “ Karma has its way . I believe the chance will come eventually . Don’t lose hope . ” ( 6
Celeste nodded and hummed in agreement .
1/3
Chapter 397
+25 BONOS
On Saturday , after Celeste and Ivan personally made a birthday cake , they drove to the nursing
home .
It had only been a while since their last visit , but Isabelle looked even thinner than before .
Isabelle seemed completely detached , oblivious to the laughter and the heartfelt blessings around her despite being the center of attention .
Watching the staff cheerfully celebrate Isabelle’s birthday , Celeste and Betty felt like a knife was twisting in their hearts .
Just then , the director of the nursing home walked over .
Seeing their pain , her expression softened with sympathy . After a moment’s hesitation , she spoke , “ This morning , we ran a health check on Isabelle and found significant deterioration . Multiple organs are showing signs of failure— ”
Everyone’s faces went pale .
“ W – What ? How could this be ? ”
The director explained , “ She’s been emotionally repressed for years , with little to no appetite . Over time , it’s severely impacted her health . Her immune system has weakened considerably ,
So-
“ Then – what now- ? ”
“ We’ll need to run further tests to confirm the full picture , but … if the deterioration continues like this , I’m afraid— ”
Everyone understood what she meant .
Betty staggered , nearly fainting .
After returning home from the nursing home , she locked herself in her room , dazed and
despondent . But no matter how heavy or painful life felt , it had to go on .
G
It was getting late . Though none of them had an appetite , they still had to eat .
Celeste took her phone , got in the car , and drove to the nearby supermarket .
She picked out a few groceries in a daze . While checking out , someone called her from behind , “ Celeste . ”
She turned her head and saw that it was Janet .
Celeste gave her a faint nod in acknowledgment.
2/3
Chapter 397
+25 BONOS
Janet smiled at first , but paused when she noticed Celeste didn’t look well . “ Is everything okay ? ”
Celeste shook her head , not wanting to talk .
After paying , she picked up her grocery bags and was about to leave when Janet said hesitatingly , “ Um … Mr. Fleming is at the Locket residence right now . Having dinner with the family … ”
She was referring to Trevor dining with Wynn’s family .
Celeste’s expression didn’t change , but her grip on the grocery bags tightened slightly . She simply gave a quiet hum and turned to leave without saying another word .
That night , the Rodriguez residence was heavy with gloom .
Later , Celeste locked herself in her room to read .
It wasn’t until nearly 11:00 pm that she looked up from her book . Picking up her phone , she realized at some point it had run out of power.
After plugging it in , she went to take a shower .
When she came out and checked her phone again , she saw several missed calls .
Seeing that one of them was from Jason , she paused briefly , then called him back first .
Jason picked up quickly .
“ Ms. Rodriguez , I just got a call from Mr. Fleming’s lawyer . They’ve completed all the paperwork regarding the assets . You can officially begin the divorce process now . ”
3/3