The Scent of 9

Chapter 9

Jacob’s expression darkened as he accused Celeste of taking advantage of her position. “This isn’t the right work. attitude to have, Ms. Rodriguez. Do you think this is your time?”

Celeste picked up her bag, unfazed. She retorted, “If you’re dissatisfied, you’re welcome to dismiss me right now.”

“You

“Jacob began. Although he had accompanied Trevor to Andestan, he was aware that Celeste had already submitted her resignation.

Even though he had Trevor’s trust, the company didn’t revolve around him. He didn’t have the authority to fire her on the spot.

Moreover, Martha favored Celeste. If she went to Fleming Manor to complain about him, Jacob knew he wouldn’t come out unscathed even if he had Trevor’s support.

Not bothered to get a response from Jacob, Celeste walked past him and left.

Jacob’s face turned purple with anger as he stormed out of the secretarial office.

Zeke noticed his sour expression and asked, “What happened?”

Instantly, Jacob recounted their whole exchange.

Zeke was surprised. He had worked closely with Celeste and had a good understanding of her character. “This doesn’t sound like something Celeste would do. Could there have been a misunderstanding?”

“There’s no misunderstanding. That’s exactly how it went down. In my opinion, Celeste is just abusing her position. She’s nowhere near as good as you usually claim she is,” Jacob ranted.

Zeke hesitated. “Maybe she’s slacking off because she’s already resigned?”

But Celeste had been as diligent as ever recently, and she didn’t show any signs of a change in behavior.

Just then, Trevor approached from a distance. “What’s going on?”

“Ms. Rodriguez left work without finishing her tasks,” Jacob reported.

you’re dissatisfied, terminate her employment according to company protocols,” Trevor said coldly, showing no interest in the matter.

Zeke and Jacob exchanged glances and were taken aback. It wasn’t that they found Trevor’s indifference surprising, since he had always been detached about matters concerning Celeste.

What caught their attention was his apparent lack of awareness that Celeste had already resigned. Wasn’t he the one who wanted her to resign? Had they misunderstood something

Before they could say anything further, Trevor’s phone rang as a call from Wynn came i

iL.

Without looking back, he walked toward the elevator while answering the call. “I’m off work now. I’ll be there

Zeke and Jacob watched him leave, feeling, puzzled.

“Maybe he forgot?” Zeke suggested.

“That’s possible,” Jacob agreed

After all, Trevor had never shown much concern for Celeste’s affairs,

+25 BONUS

Chapter V

Meanwhile, Celeste was on her way to Betty’s place.

Jordyn had always been close to Betty. Whenever she was home, Celeste would bring her along when she went back to the Rodriguez residence.

But despite being back in the country for several days, Jordyn hadn’t called her even once. Instead, she constantly called Wynn and missed her dearly after only a few days apart. a

Because of this, Celeste saw no need to make Jordyn go back with her. Besides, Betty would be deeply upset if she found out that Jordyn had gotten so attached to Wynn.

Therefore, Celeste went back alone this time.

[11]

The traffic was heavy, and by the time she arrived, it was already past 6:00 pm.

Betty’s face lit up when she saw Celeste. However, her expression turned somber as she reached out to touch Celeste’s face. “You’ve lost weight, my dear.”

Celeste looked down as she replied, “I’ve been busy with work lately.”

Betty sighed and advised, “No matter how busy you are, you need to eat well.”

“I know, Granny. I’ll be more mindful,” Celeste replied.

Celeste sat beside Betty, resting her head on her shoulder and soaking in her warmth.

When the lamb stew was almost ready, Betty instructed the staff to serve Celeste a bowl of stew to warm her up. Listening to Betty’s kind words, Celeste felt tears well up as she thought about everything that had happened recently.

Afraid of worrying her, she quickly composed herself and asked, “Are Aunt Adeline and the others still away on a trip?” =

“They are. They got carried away and said they’d extend it by another week,” Betty replied.

“What about Uncle Ivan? Is he out for a business gathering again tonight?”

“When he heard you were coming, he canceled his plans and said he’d come back to join us for dinner. He should be here soon.”

Just as they finished speaking, Ivan walked in, smiling warmly. “Cel, you’re here!” Then, he remarked with a frown, “You’ve lost weight. Haven’t you been eating well?” Celeste laughed softly. “I’ve just been busy lately. I’ll eat more tonight, I promise.”

Satisfied, Ivan began piling meat onto her plate once dinner was served. Thought he commented on her weight loss, Celeste could see that he too looked worn out.

Even though she didn’t work at Rodriguez Corporation, she knew it was struggling, Ivan had been overwhelmed with work, yet he was unable to pull the business back from the brink

Over the years, several projects could have been salvaged with Trevor’s help. Save for Martha’s intervention on two pccasions, he hadn’t lifted a finger.

Celeste thought bitterly that if it hadn’t been for Martha, Trevor might have actively sabotaged Rodriguez Corporation, given his misconceptions about her.

As this thought crossed her inind, the lamb stew in her mouth suddenly tasted bland.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 9

Ivan had never pressured her to seek help from Trevor, even when the family desperately needed it.

After dinner, while Betty was dozing off, Celeste handed Ivan a bank card with seven million dollars in the account. “Cel, there’s no need-”

“It’s not much use to me.” She pressed the card into his hand firmly. “This is all I can do for now.”

Though she excelled in academics and research, she knew she wasn’t cut out for business.

Thankfully, her early work in Al had earned her patents, and the tech company she co–founded with Matthias provided annual dividends. Even without lifting a finger, she received tens of millions of dollars each year. Ivan looked ashamed “You’ve already given me so much, yet the company…”

It was barely getting by.

“I’m the one who’s incapable here,” Ivan lamented.

“Transitioning a business takes significant time and funds. Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Celeste comforted. She thought of Matthias‘ words from their recent meeting. He had said that the Al field was advancing rapidly. With her past capabilities and his operational skills, their company might already have been worth hundreds of billions and even be at the forefront of the industry had she hot left to get married. Luckily, there was still room for growth. So, he hoped Celeste would return soon.

If she could regain her former abilities and help the company thrive, she would be in a better position to support her family.

By the time Trevor returned home, it was past 10:00 pm.

Jordyn rubbed her eyes sleepily. “You’re finally home, Dad.

“Yeah,” he replied. “Go to bed if you’re sleepy.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Dad.”

“Goodnight.”

After Jordyn went upstairs, Trevor drank the water Peter handed him and then headed upstairs himself.

The master bedroom was dark, and it seemed to be empty.

Trevor paused for a bit and turned on the light. As expected, no one was there.

Chapter 10