The Scent of 145

When Celeste came out of the restroom, ten minutes had already passed.

After having dinner with Lottie, she suddenly felt the urge to visit the nursing home.

But remembering Isabelle’s condition and the director’s instructions that she shouldn’t see familiar people, she hesitated.

She had already driven to the entrance of the nursing home, but in the end, she didn’t go inside and just drove back home.

Once she got home, she locked herself in her room and focused on her work. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when her phone rang.

It was a call from Trevor.

Celeste glanced at the screen, noted down the data she was working on, and ignored the call.

The call naturally disconnected. However, a few minutes later, he called again.

She still didn’t answer.

Shortly after, a message from Trevor came through: “Grandma wants us to go back to Fleming Manor for dinner.”

Celeste didn’t reply.

On the other side, Trevor saw that she hadn’t responded and silently stared at his phone for a moment.

Just then, Jordyn’s voice came from the staircase. “Dad, you’re back!” As she spoke, she had already run downstairs and thrown herself into his arms.

Trevor steadied her and responded with a simple hum.

Noticing that he was holding his phone, seemingly about to send a

doing?”

Trevor said, “Your mom isn’t answering my calls.”

message, Jordyn asked, “Dad, what are you

Hearing him mention Celeste, Jordyn let out an annoyed huff and turned her little face away.

Trevor pinched her soft cheek. “You get mad every time I mention your mom. Did you upset her?”

Jordyn widened her eyes and huffed, “It was Mom who made me mad!”

Trevor propped his face on his hand, seemingly curious. “Oh?”

Fuming, Jordyn tattled, “She promised to take me skiing, but when I called her today, she said she was busy and told me we’d go next time!”

“If your mom was busy and couldn’t take you out, shouldn you be understanding instead of getting upset? Isn’t that your fault?” Trevor chuckled, pressed his large hand against her head, and stood up. “Let’s go.”

Jordyn paused. “Where to?”

“Your great–grandma wants us to go home for dinner.”

“Oh…” Pouting, Jordyn muttered under her breath and ran to catch up with him.

Chapter 145

+25 BONUS

Meanwhile, on the other side, Celeste ordered takeout, and just as she finished eating around 7:00 received a call from Martha.

she

She could ignore Trevor’s calls, but Martha had been kind to her family–her call was one she had to take. “Hello, Grandma.”

“Cel, Trevor told me you’re busy. When will you be done?”

Celeste didn’t want to go back to the manor.

Since Trevor had already lied for her, she simply said, “I’ll be busy for the next couple of days. Sorry, Grandma, I don’t think I’ll have time to visit you.”

Martha didn’t mind and said warmly, “That’s alright, dear. I just worry that you’re overworking yourself.”

“I won’t, Grandma. I know my limits.”

“That’s good.” Martha added, “Trevor is going back tomorrow. I’ll have him bring you something good to eat.. Make sure you eat well, okay?”

“Alright.”

After hanging up, Martha glanced at her grandson, who was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper, and said with a smirk, “Next time, if Celeste doesn’t come back with you, don’t bother coming back either.”

Trevor raised an eyebrow. “Then should I just leave?”

Martha was speechless.