Chapter 470
After she finished speaking, Celeste headed upstairs.
Her older brother, Chadwick Hayes, was twenty-five and currently in grad school.
“Hey, Chad, get up! Caitlin’s here p>
Chadwick had stayed up all night gaming and was dead to the world, not
interested in humoring Celeste. “So what if she’s here? What’s that got to do with me p>
Celeste rolled her eyes. “Just thought I’d warn you-Caitlin and I are chatting downstairs. So if you come down, maybe try not to look like a total mess p>
Chadwick could pass for a gentleman in public, but at home, he was another story: stubble, bedhead, and a general disregard for basic hygiene.
After making sure her brother was at least somewhat aware, Celeste made her way back downstairs to continue catching up with Caitlin.
It had been ages since the two girls had seen each other. There was so much to talk about, endless gossip to share, and Celeste even pulled out two weeks’ worth of math problems she’d saved up to ask Caitlin for help with.
In the past, Celeste would never have brought up homework during such a fun reunion. But things were different now-she was truly determined to get into college in the capital city.
Caitlin, always brilliant, jumped right in, breaking down the toughest concepts with ease. In just a few minutes, she helped Celeste grasp the most important points.
Meanwhile, Chadwick started getting hungry in his sleep. Still in pajamas, he shuffled downstairs in search of food. He spotted his sister on the couch. “Hey, March, where’s the food p>
“There’s instant noodles in the fridge. Make it yourself!” Celeste called.
Chadwick turned toward the kitchen, but as he did, he finally noticed Caitlin sitting on the sofa.
He froze.
Was he dreaming? Had he just walked in on an actual angel?
Of course, Chadwick knew who Caitlin was his sister’s best friend and the girl who’d once saved her life. But he’d never actually met her before. And honestly, Celeste didn’t have the best taste in friends, so no matter how many times she’d raved about Caitlin’s beauty, he’d never taken it seriously.
Which was why he’d come down with wild hair, unshaven face, and pajamas- looking like he’d just lost a fight with a tornado.
Panic-stricken, Chadwick clapped both hands over his face and bolted upstairs. He slammed his door, then immediately started shaving, changing clothes, and running a comb through his hair.
Twenty minutes later, Chadwick reappeared downstairs in a sharp suit, hair perfectly styled. Like a peacock in full display, he strode confidently toward the sofa. “Miss Kensington, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Chadwick Hayes p>
He even bowed slightly, determined to make the best possible impression.
But when he straightened up, expecting a response, he found the sofa empty.
Chadwick blinked.
Where did everyone go? No way-did they leave? If Caitlin and Celeste had gone out, what was the point of all his effort-dressing up, shaving, even dabbing on a little foundation just to look his best?
Meanwhile p>
Caitlin and Celeste had made their way to the nearby shopping district.
Celeste looped her arm through Caitlin’s. “Catie, I’ve had my eye on this purse for weeks, but I didn’t want to come buy it alone. Now that you’re here, we can really make a day of it p>
First stop, as always, was to grab some bubble tea. Being Sunday, the place was packed and the line stretched out the door. Celeste glanced at Caitlin. “Catie, could you hold our place in line? I need to run to the restroom p>
“Of course, March. Go ahead,” Caitlin said with a smile.
Celeste hurried off.
By the time she returned, Caitlin had already bought their drinks-full-sugar taro pudding bubble tea, both their favorites.
They chatted and sipped their drinks as they strolled.
Suddenly-smack!
A blur came barreling out of nowhere, colliding straight into Celeste and sending her bubble tea splattering all over her clothes.
Celeste stood frozen in shock, about ready to lash out, but the other person beat her to it. “Ugh! My bubble tea! What’s wrong with you? Can’t you watch where you’re going p>
“Oh, please. You’re the one who ran into me!” Celeste shot back, equally unwilling to back down.
Caitlin stepped up beside her. “That’s right. You bumped into my friend, and now her clothes are soaked. I think you owe her an apology p>
The girl was in her early twenties, with long wavy hair and a cute face, but her attitude was appalling.
Just then, angther figure hurried over-someone who clearly knew Celeste. She squinted and said, “Celeste, you’d better apologize to gre
Katrina Do you even know whet
is? Katrina’s dating Xavier Richards now-of the Richards family, Neon Spire’s own royalty p>
So what if Celeste was the daughter of The Port Metropolis’s Hayes family? Compared to the Richards, the Hayes were practically nobody.
Jeanette Howard was still in mid-rant when Katrina cut her off. “Jeanette, how many times have I told you to keep a low profile when we’re out? I can’t stand people who throw their weight around p>
She turned to Celeste, eyes narrowed. “Since you’re friends with Jeanette, I’ll let this slide. Apologize to me and my friend both of you. As long as see you’re sincere, won’t make this a bigger deal p>