Chapter 18 You Have Poor Taste
Mason Carter extended his arm and helped Annie up. “Did you hurt yourself anywhere?”
Since Annie was pregnant, her body couldn’t afford any mishaps.
Annie shook her head, holding onto Mason’s arm. “Mason, I accidentally fell. It wasn’t Celeste’s fault. Please don’t blame her.
okay?”
Her expression made her look entirely sincere.
Celeste had not pushed her; Annie had grabbed Celeste’s hand and then intentionally fallen.
Such a manipulative woman could have made a great actress.
“Celeste, why did you push her? Mason frowned, looking at Celeste.
Annie had messaged him earlier, saying she was heading to X Studio and wanted to check things out. Worried she might run into Celeste, he came along, only to witness this scene.
Annie continued her act. “Mason, it’s my fault. I didn’t stand properly. When I saw Celeste, I wanted to greet her and apologize for any misunderstandings. I don’t know why she pushed me,” she said, eyes welling up with tears.
“Is that how it happened?” Mason looked at Celeste, hoping for her to defend herself.
Celeste replied, “Does it even matter what happened?”
Mason wouldn’t believe her anyway; he would only believe this manipulative woman.
Celeste now realized why Annie had grabbed her hand and then fallen–she had seen Mason approaching.
Mason frowned, seeing Celeste push past him to approach Annie.
“You said I pushed you, right?” she asked with a smile.
Annie wasn’t sure what Celeste intended. “I don’t blame you, Celeste. I know you dislike me. If it makes you feel better, you
can hit or scold me. L.”
“Smack!”
Before she could finish, a sharp slap landed on her face. Annie was stunned.
She covered her cheek, looking at Celeste in disbelief. Had she really just slapped her?
“You asked for it, didn’t you? Said I could hit or scold you. I would feel guilty not fulfilling your wish.”
Before Annie could react, Celeste shoved her into the nearby fountain.
With a splash, Annie was soaked through.
“You claimed I pushed you. I might as well make it worth the accusation. Last time a glass of water sent you to the hospital for days. Better head back to the hospital, princess.”
Turning to Mason, she said, “Take her away. Next time she shows up, I won’t be so lenient.”
Celeste started to walk away but stopped, turning back to Mason.
“Mason, you have poor taste.”
She then laughed at herself, adding, “Guess I don’t have much room to talk.”
She walked away for real this time.
Mason frowned, watching her leave. What did she mean by that? Was she implying he had bad judgment? And was she criticizing him, indirectly?
It seemed like Celeste had changed a lot, becoming much more assertive than before.
“Mason, help me…” Annie, still in the water, called out.
It was a small fountain, not deep.
Mason pulled her out. Annie sneezed twice. “Mason, look at her. She dared to treat me like this in front of you. She’s so
vicious
Chapter 18 You Have Poor Taste
“She hit me and pushed me into the water. You have to stand up for me, Mason. My face hurts so much, and my belly, too. What if something happens to my baby?”
Mason looked at her. “I have work to do. I’ll have the driver take you to the hospital.”
With that, he left.
“Mason!”
Annie watched Mason walked away, dissatisfied. Why wasn’t he angry with Celeste!
Back at X Studio, Celeste poured herself a large cup of coffee, calming her nerves and getting ready to work.
She had decided to make a comeback, designing a gown as practice. She even had Amy list it for sale, allowing everyone a fair chance through a lottery system.
Her phone beeped. It was a friend request from an unfamiliar avatar with a note.
“Anthony Quinn.“
Anthony was a childhood friend Celeste hadn’t seen in a long time. She quickly accepted and sent a smiley face emoji.
Anthony replied quickly, “Celeste, free for lunch? Let’s catch up.
Lunch… Celeste actually didn’t have much free time, her work piling up.
After a moment of hesitation, he added, “Jessica will join us too. You left early last time, so let’s properly meet this time. I’ve already booked the restaurant.”
Celeste thought for a moment and agreed. “Alright.”
Anthony sent the location, a popular restaurant that required reservations well in advance.
After a busy morning, Celeste drove to the agreed restaurant.
Anthony was already there, waving her over. “Sorry if I’m late.”
Anthony pulled out her chair, replying. “Not at all. I just got here. Sorry, I couldn’t book a private room. We’ll have to sit in the main area”
“No problem at all. Where’s Jessica? Hasn’t she arrived yet? Celeste looked around.
Jessica called saying she couldn’t make it, leaving us to dine alone.”
His gaze was soft, handing her the menu and signaling the waiter.
“Really?” Celeste texted Jessica, who had been bought off by Anthony to help him arrange this date.
Since they were all friends, Jessica knew Anthony’s feelings well. Although the Quinn family wasn’t as wealthy as the Carters, Anthony was a far better person than Mason.
Celeste ordered two dishes, passing the menu to Anthony, who added two more.
He looked at Celeste tenderly. “How have you been these days?”
“Quite good”
“Have you finalized your divorce?”
“Not yet. Let’s not talk about him, it’s a mood killer!”
As the dishes arrived, they chatted
Meanwhile, Margaret and her friends, having finished shopping, entered the restaurant.
Margaret had once brought Celeste to their gatherings, knowing she excelled in flower arranging, coffee making, and dessert preparation.
One of the ladies recognized Celeste. “Margaret, isn’t that your daughter–in–law?! What’s she doing here with another man, laughing and chatting so happily?”
Margaret looked over, spotting Celeste.
That wretch. Was she actually cheating on her son?
