The Scent of 10

Trevor didn’t think much of it. He assumed that Celeste had gone back to the Rodriguez residence.

As he entered the bathroom, he suddenly remembered that Celeste typically brought Jordyn with her whenever she visited Betty. But this time, she hadn’t done so.

Could she have gone somewhere else?

Perhaps something urgent had happened at the Rodriguez residence. Flashes of Jacob’s remarks from earlier that day crossed his mind, confirming his suspicions,

Trevor paused for a moment but ultimately decided not to concern himself with it.

The next morning, Trevor said to Jordyn over breakfast, “Your enrollment process is complete. You’ll start school tomorrow morning.”

“Got it.” Jordyn scrunched her nose. “Can you take me to school tomorrow, Dad?”

“I might not have time.”

“Alright then.” Her eyes lit up. “I’ll call Wynn later and ask her to take me to school.”

Before Trevor could respond, his phone rang. It was a call from Fleming Manor.

When he answered, he heard Martha’s voice come from the other end. “I heard you’re back in the country?” “Yeah.”

“Did Jordyn come back with you?”

“Yes.”

“I haven’t seen her in so long. I miss her. Bring her and Celeste over for dinner tonight.”

“Sure.”

Martha then added, “Where’s Celeste? Let me speak with her.”

“She’s not here.”

“At this time of day? Where could she be?”

“Probably at the Rodriguez residence.”

“Probably? You’re her husband, and you don’t even know where she is?”

Trevor remained silent.

“You” Martha sighed deeply before falling quiet.

It was only then that Trevor softened his tone slightly, though he changed the subject. “Have you eaten?”

“Your nonsense fills me up just fine!”

Trevor chuckled lightly and continued eating his breakfast,

Martha knew that Trevor had always been resolute in his decisions. The current state of his marriage to Celeste was already a significant concession on his part. Given Trevor’s nature, she couldn’t push him too hard, even for his own good.

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Chapter 10

With a sigh, she said, “Fine I have nothing more to say to you, you stubborn mule.”

“Okay. See you tonight.”

“You Ugh!” Martha hung up in exasperation.

Jordyn, who hadn’t been paying much attention earlier, caught the tail end of the conversation and asked curiously, “Dad, who was that?”

“Your great–grandmother,”

Recalling Martha’s request, Trevor added, “She wants to have dinner with us tonight.”

Jordyn perked up. “Great! I haven’t seen Nana in so long. I miss her!”

Trevor glanced at his phone and said nothing more.

Meanwhile, Celeste was having breakfast at the Rodriguez residence when she noticed the incoming call from

Trevor

She paused for a moment. Unlike before, she no longer felt any joy or anticipation at seeing his name on her

screen

After hesitating briefly, she answered the call. “Hello?”

“Grandma wants us to go to Fleming Manor for dinner tonight,” Trevor said.

Alright, sure,” Celeste agreed.

Trevor then added, “You can pick up Jordyn and bring her along.”

Celeste didn’t want to return to his home. Besides, even if she went to pick up Jordyn, she wouldn’t be thrilled to see Celeste either.

Why put herself in such a thankless position?

So, she replied, “Have the driver take her. I’ll drive myself over after work.”

Since they would both be traveling during the rush hour, this was indeed the most convenient arrangement.

However, Celeste had always enjoyed personally taking care of Jordyn and never found it burdensome. Upon hearing her response, Trevor was slightly taken aback

Still, he didn’t dwell on it. After all, it was a minor matter.

“Got it,” he said and hung up.

This time, Jordyn knew who had been on the other end of the call. “Was that Mom?”

“Yeah”

So, Mom is coming with us to Nana’s tonight?”

“Yes”

Jordyn frowned instinctively, though she said nothing. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see Celeste or didn’t miss her. In fact, she hadn’t seen Celeste in a long time, and for the first time, Celeste hadn’t contacted her in over two

weeks.

Thinking about Celeste made her feel a pang of longing. However, Celeste’s return also meant less time with Wynn.

Chapter 10

-25 BONUS

When Jordyn found out Celeste was away on a business trip after returning to the country, she had been delighted. She thought she could use those days to spend more time with Wynn.

Now that Celeste was back, she wouldn’t let her see Wynn often. Her mood soured as she thought about it.

She had already asked Wynn to take her to school the next morning, and Wynn had agreed. What would she do now?

Feeling deflated, she mumbled, “Dad.”

“What is it?” Trevor asked.

While she could let Celeste take her to school tomorrow, she was determined to attend Wynn’s racing competition tomorrow night.

She clung to Trevor and said pleadingly, “Dad, you promised to take me to Wynn’s race tomorrow night. But if Mom finds out, she won’t let me go. Can you not tell her? If she asks, just make something up, okay?”

“Okay,” Trevor replied.

Reassured by his promise, Jordyn brightened slightly.

After breakfast, Trevor left for work.

When Celeste arrived at Fleming Group that morning, she didn’t encounter Trevor.

At noon, Betty called and invited her to have lunch at a restaurant named “Luxe Heaven“. Since the restaurant was only a short walk from Fleming Group, Celeste agreed and headed over.

As she approached the corner near the entrance, she overheard a conversation.

“Trevor, if it weren’t for your help, I probably wouldn’t have secured this contract no matter how much effort I put in. I really appreciate it.”

The familiar voice made Celeste stop in her tracks.

Peeking around the corner, she saw her father, Harvey.

Just then, there came Trevor’s calm voice. “Don’t mention i, Mr. Locket.”

Celeste’s hands clenched into fists. She could tell that Trevor’s tone was noticeably gentler than usual. He reserved such a tone for those he valued. But she didn’t think for one second that his regard for Harvey had anything to do with her.

There was no way Trevor was assisting Harvey for her benefit. After all, ever since Harvey had divorced Isabelle, their relationship had been nearly nonexistent. Harvey only publicly acknowledged Wynn as his daughter now.

There was no father–daugliter bond left between them to speak of.

Sure enough, Harvey continued, “Wynn is here by herself. Her mother and I worry about her. Please take good care of her.”