Chapter 473
Kieran’s appearance there didn’t seem to indicate that he intended to join in or deliberately stir up trouble Looking at Celeste, he spoke in a familiar tone, “Going out for a meal with Mr. Harper?” Celeste replied, “Mm.” “You’ll be coming back later, right?” “Yes. She still had some things to take care of and needed to return to handle them. Kieran nodded. “Alright, I’ll come find you later then.” With that, he didn’t say anything more.
After glancing at Beck, he tuned and walked away. Beck knew that Kieran was actually provoking him. 2 He was showing him that while Beck had to go through a lot just to get Celeste to agree to meet, Kieran was already very familiar with many aspects of her life and had plenty of chances to be around her. He had no need to play any petty tricks to get in the way of —- whatever was happening between them. 4 But faced with Kieran’s provocation, Beck wasn’t angry or anxious.
As it stood now, Celeste didn’t seem to have romantic feelings for either of them. So, at most, he and Kieran were just the pot calling the kettle black. + In fact, if he had a choice, Beck would rather that Celeste show some affection, whether it was for him or even Kieran. At least that would mean she felt something… 3 He had already mentioned to Celeste that Shanice had recently been taken back by her grandmother.
4 It had been a while since they’d last heard anything about Shanice, so once they arrived at the restaurant, Celeste couldn’t help but ask, “How’s Shanice doing?” Hearing her ask about Shanice warmed Beck’s heart. He said, ” She’s doing well. She called a few days ago and said she misses you. She said she wants to come back and see you.” Celeste smiled. “That’d be great.” 4 Then Beck, after a brief hesitation, added, “I heard that Jo’s training went really well this time too.
She’ll probably win something in the next competition.” —- When Celeste heard him mention Jordyn, she gave a quiet hum and lowered her eyes. Before she could respond further, the door to the private room suddenly swung open. “Beck!” As soon as Beck heard that voice, his expression immediately darkened. 3 Celeste, however, remained completely composed. When Linda saw Celeste inside as well, her eyes widened in shock. “Why are you here?” 7 Celeste had no intention of responding.
Beck looked at Linda and asked coldly, “What are you doing here?” 4 Although Beck had always been distant with her, this was the first time he had shown such unreserved coldness. 2 Linda was so startled by his sharp tone that she was left completely stunned. “II…” “Linda, don’t be rude,” came the voice of Erin and Patricia as they walked over. 4 They were surprised to see Celeste too, but they knew Beck and —- YodaVision still had a good working relationship.
So, seeing the two dining together didn’t raise any surprise. Patricia smiled and said, “Sorry, Beck. It’s Linda’s fault for interrupting your dinner.” Since they were elders, Beck still showed them respect. He said, “It’s alright.” 2 But toward Linda, he showed no mercy this time. “Ms. Shaw, I don’t think we’re that familiar with each other. I hope something like this won’t happen again. Do you understand what I’m saying?
He wasn’t just saying there shouldn’t be a next time-he was clearly rejecting her. 5 Linda truly liked Beck. Hearing his firm rejection, and in front of Celeste no less, she instantly felt wronged, and tears started to fall. She couldn’t help but choke out, “I-I didn’t mean to-“_ © But Beck showed no sign of softening. Since it had already come to this, he decided to be completely clear about his rejection. “If I’m not mistaken, Ms. Shaw, you seem to be interested in me.
But I can tell you very clearly-there is no possibility of a relationship between us. So, I hope you’ll learn to respect —- boundaries moving forward.”