Betty was turning seventy next month.
Celeste discussed with Ivan how they should celebrate her birthday.
Betty wasn’t interested. “No need for anything extravagant. Having a meal together as a family is enough.”
Adeline interjected, “It’s my seventieth birthday. We should celebrate it in a big way.”
Celeste and Ivan shared the same thought.
Since it came from the grandchildren’s kindness, Betty eventually gave in to their suggestion.
Jordyn still had school the next day. After dinner together, Celeste left the Rodriguez residence with her.
When they arrived at the Fleming Manor, Jordyn jumped out of the car, beaming with joy.
Celeste stayed in the car. “Take a bath and rest early, Jo. I’ve got things to do, so I’ll be going now.”
Jordyn’s smile froze. “Huh?”
She returned to the car and rested her face against it. Furrowing her brows, she asked, “Are you busy, Mom?”
Celeste replied calmly, “Yep. Do well in class, and give me a call if something comes up.”
Jordyn, a little disappointed, pursed her lips. “Okay.”
With Trevor often absent due to work, Jordyn assumed Celeste’s absence was also work-related and didn’t dwell on it further.
When Peter noticed they had returned, he went out to greet them.
Jordyn asked, “Is Dad back yet?”
Peter smiled. “Yes, he’s back already.”
Celeste’s face remained neutral. “Jordyn, I’m leaving now.”
“Alright…” Jordyn stepped aside.
Peter, slightly confused, asked, “Are you still going out this late at night, Mrs. Fleming?”
Celeste kept her reply brief. “Yes, I have some things to take care of.”
She turned to Jordyn. “It’s chilly out here. Go inside.”
“Okay.” Jordyn waved and entered the house with Peter.
After seeing Jordyn off, Celeste turned the car around and drove away.
Once inside, Jordyn asked Peter, “Where’s Dad?”
“He should be in the study,” Peter replied.
Jordyn went upstairs and noticed the study door was open. Trevor was leaning against the window, smoking as he looked outside.
“Dad,” Jordyn called.
“Hi, Jo,” Trevor replied, turning to face her.
“Mom has something to take care of. She just left,” Jordyn explained.
Trevor put out his cigarette and dropped it into the ashtray. “I know. I saw her leave.”
Jordyn scrunched up her little nose. “Mom has been so busy lately, just like you.”
Trevor chuckled. “You’re right.”
It was late, and Jordyn yawned. “I’m going to take a bath and sleep. Good night, Dad.”
“Good night, sweet dreams,” he replied.
After Celeste arrived home, she washed up and went straight to bed.
The next day, she arrived at the office promptly.
In the afternoon, she and Yandel went to InnovaTech for technical maintenance, along with other technicians.
This time, she didn’t see Trevor or Wynn.
Over the following days, including Thursday when she returned to the villa to cook for Jordyn, Trevor was nowhere in sight.
She heard he wasn’t on a business trip—just running errands, so he wouldn’t be home for dinner.
Celeste didn’t bother asking about his “errands,” whether it was a date with Wynn or other obligations.
On Friday, while thinking about dinner, she received a call from Jordyn. “Mom, Dad won’t be home this weekend. When are you coming back home?”
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