Chapter Twenty Two
Celeste’s POV
“Please tell Damien I have no interest in collaborating with him or his company.” I said.
The event coordinator looked puzzled.
“Why would you turn him down without at least considering the offer? Mr. Kent’s assistant said he was willing to give you a substantial sum.”
I understood his confusion. A new designer would be thrilled if a company wanted to sign them. And over the moon, if they offered a lot of money.
But I’d rather starve than work with that man.
“I know how he runs his company and how he treats his subordinates. I refuse to work with someone like him.” I held my head high as I spoke. “It’s a matter of principle.”
He furrowed his eyebrows.
“Are you certain? You would be throwing away an excellent opportunity.”
Inodded firmly. “There will be other opportunities. Please inform Damien that I am declining his offer and won’t change my mind.”
He said. “I will be sure to deliver the message.
“Thank you. Please remember not to reveal my identity.”
The event coordinator nodded before leaving.
A shudder ran through my body. I did my best to cut ties with Damien when we got divorced. There was no way in hell I would get involved with him again–even as Rosemary
I turned to Ryan, who had respectfully stood aside to let me handle my business.
“That was incredible, Celeste.” He said with those twinkling green eyes. “The way you stood firm on your values was inspiring. I feel so honored to be working with you.”
His face broke into that charming smile of his, dimples making my heart pang. He gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up and the gold and silver of his watch caught the light.
My brows furrowed.
I stepped towards him, taking hold of his arm and tilting his wrist as I studied the watch. The metals looked genuine, and the clock face was skillfully crafted. It looked like an expensive designer piece.
How did he afford something like this?
“Uh… Celeste?” Ryan said, sounding amused. “Not that I’m not enjoying the physical contact. Quite the contrary, really, but people are giving us looks.”
I lifted my gaze from his wrist and his broad chest filled my vision. We were on top of each other in the middle of the exhibit, and people eyed us scandalously as they walked past.
I jumped back and Ryan burst into laughter.
My body was burning up.
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Chapter Twenty
“There’s never a dull moment with you, is there?”
I glared at him as my heart hammered in my chest.
“You could have said something sooner!” I scolded him.
He gave me a cheeky grin. “Like I said, I was enjoying myself.”
“It’s generally not considered wise to play jokes on your boss,”
Ryan leaned in, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
“Who said I was joking?”
I glared at him and punched his arm with as much force as could muster.
“Ow!” He winced, rubbing his arm. “I want to speak with HR.”
I rolled my eyes at his antics. Then I remembered why I was so close to him in the first place.
“Ryan, I thought your family was facing financial struggles. How did you afford that luxury watch?”
“Oh, this?” He looked at his watch and chuckled. “I like to keep up appearances. It’s embarrassing to admit, but it’s a fake.”
I immediately felt awful. He took the watch off and dropped it into his pocket with a shrug. I had let my curiosity
hurt him.
“Come on.” He said, offering me his arm. “I really want to see Rosemary’s work. I hear she’s a bit of a diva, already turning down big offers.”
Ryan always knew how to lighten the mood.
I smiled and took his arm. We walked through the exhibition, admiring all the wonderful creations from talented designers. Excitement ran through me as I looked for mine.
I froze.
My stomach dropped as my eyes locked with Damien’s. He was weaving his way through the crowd towards me, a sneer painted across his face.
“Celeste, is everything okay?”
Ryan stooped low to look at my face with concern written in his features. I simply shook my head as memories of that night at my mother’s house came back.
This man would not leave me in peace.
“What can I do?” Ryan’s eyes darted over me, trying to figure out the problem. “Just say the word, Celeste.”
Maybe I should ask him for a stun baton?
But it was too little too late.
Damien stopped behind Ryan, crossed his arms, and regarded us with a sneer.
“What is a retired housewife and new boy toy doing at a world class design event?”
Hearing him, Ryan turned around. He took an instinctive step between us and the vein in Damien’s head bulged. From five years of marriage, I knew that meant he was fuming.
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Chapter Twenty Two
His lip curled back in disgust as he turned his attention to my assistant. He eyed him up and down and a mocking smile twisted his lips.
“This penniless loser can’t even afford anything here.” He let out a haughty laugh. “How did the two of you even get past the front door?”
