The Scent of 23

Chapter 23

At that moment, Zeke had just arrived in the break room and paused when he overheard Celeste and Naomi’s

conversation

He and Jacob had always thought that Celeste wouldn’t be able to leave the company. They were confident that she would find a way to stay.

When Naomi took over Celeste’s duties, they expected Celeste to make a move. After all, Naomi was stunning How could Celeste let her stay so close to Trevor?

However, during the past couple of days, Celeste had not only accepted Naomi but also gotten along well with her. Now, she was even willing to teach Naomi how to make the coffee Trevor liked.

What on earth was going on?

Celeste was oblivious to Zeke’s thoughts. She was focused on finishing her work and politely turned down Naomi’s offer to go out for dinner that evening.

She planned to head home for a quick meal and continue researching Al–related topics.

Just as she left the company, her phone rang. It was Jordyn calling

“Mom, are you done with work?”

Celeste got into the car and replied, “What’s up?”

“I want you to cook dinner. Can you make it when you come home?”

Celeste paused.

She and Trevor weren’t officially divorced yet, and he hadn’t called to ask her to move out. So, he probably wouldn’t mind her going back to make dinner for Jordyn.

But… She was feeling a little tired and had her plans.

Even though Jordyn was her responsibility, Celeste also had her own life. She wasn’t willing to sacrifice her time unconditionally anymore just because of Jordyn.

She replied, “I have something to do today, maybe next time.”

Celeste had always prioritized Trevor and Jordyn in the past and had almost never said no to them. But for the second time on this day, Celeste had to refuse Jordyn’s request

Although Jordyn simply assumed her mother really was busy, she had grown used to being the number one priority in Celeste’s life. She felt a little hurt.

“Mom, why are you always so busy lately? I don’t care, I want you to make dinner!”

“Jo…” Celeste felt a headache coming on

Jordyn huffed and hung up the phone angrily.

Celeste teared up. She covered her eyes and sat in silence for a while before finally starting the car.

At home, she grabbed a quick meal and hopped onto work. Just as she opened her laptop, she received a call from Matthias.

“There’s an event in a few days. Want to come with me? I’d like to introduce you to a few people.”

Chapter 23

+25 BONUS

“Sure.”

Matthias then asked, “When will your handover be complete?”

“Soon, it should be in the next few days.”

“Great.”

Meanwhile, Jordyn thought Celeste would hurry home to comfort her and make dinner. But an hour had passed, and it was already close to 8:00 pm. Celeste still hadn’t come home.

Peter was concerned that she might be starving and suggested, “Since Mrs. Fleming is busy, why don’t you eat something to hold you over until she comes back?”

“I don’t want to!” Jordyn pouted.

When Celeste hadn’t even called, she finally felt truly upset Peter’s suggestion only made her cry harder. “I want Mom to make it for me!!!

“But…” Peter thought Celeste was truly busy and had no choice but to call Trevor.

It took a while before Trevor answered the phone. “What is it?”

After Peter explained the situation, Trevor replied, “Give her the phone.”

Jordyn sniffled as she picked up the phone. “Dad…”

“Have dinner first.”

Jordyn wiped her tears but stubbornly stayed silent.

Trevor fell silent as well.

Jordyn cried harder.

“I’ll take you out this weekend. You can choose where you want to go.”

Her sobbing stopped immediately. “Really?”

“Yes. Now, eat your dinner first.”

“Have you eaten, Dad?”

“I’m at a social event.”

“Okay…

“Go eat.”

“Got it.”

Jordyn pouted but felt better and hung up. She went downstairs to eat without further complaint.

After the call, Trevor returned to the private room, where someone joked, “Mr. Fleming, you sure have many calls

to take.‘

Trevor took a sip of his drink.

“My daughter was throwing a tantrum and refused to eat. ad to