Chapter 526
As for the guests, thanks to Caitlin’s quick thinking and the Richards brothers’ swift reactions, most of them barely saw anything. The crimson curtain blocked their view, and with the Richards’ eight uncles and aunts skillfully smoothing over the awkwardness, everyone simply assumed Celia and Caitlin were playing some kind of interactive game on stage.
Celia nodded, gathered up her clothes, and-shielded by Jennifer-slipped out from under the curtain.
The Richards family had already arranged for staff to meet them. As soon as Celia and Jennifer emerged, a maid hurried over. “Miss Palmer, this way, please p>
About half an hour later, Celia reappeared in the grand hall, dressed in a fresh gown.
She looked radiant.
It was as if nothing had happened at all.
The atmosphere in the ballroom was just as lively as before.
Seeing this, Celia finally relaxed. She picked up a glass of wine and walked over to Caitlin, her tone earnest. “Miss Gonzales, let me make a toast to you p>
Caitlin raised her own glass in reply. “Thank you p>
Their glasses clinked, the sound clear and pleasant.
Just as Celia was about to take a sip of red wine, Caitlin gently stopped her, set down her own glass, and picked up another. With a warm smile, she said, “You shouldn’t be drinking, not tonight. Have some sparkling water with me instead p>
Given Celia’s condition, alcohol was a bad idea.
Caitlin was a doctor-she couldn’t in good conscience allow her patient to take risks.
Besides, Celia was someone she’d fought hard to save. It would be a shame if all that effort was undone by a single drink.
Celia set the wine aside, accepting the sparkling water Caitlin handed her. “Alright p>
She finished the glass, then poured herself another—this time heading over to Hannah. “Mrs. Richards, may I offer you a toast p>
Hannah raised her wine with a gentle smile.
Next, Celia made her way to the eight uncles and aunts of the Richards family,
then to the thirteen Richards brothers, offering a toast to each in turn.
There were a lot of people, but Celia didn’t mind the effort; she honored each one personally.
The guests watched, wide-eyed with shock.
This was Celia Palmer, after all-a true aristocrat of Valerium.
And more importantly, the Palmer family had once done a great service for Old Mr. Richards. For years, the Richardses had treated any Palmer with the utmost respect. Even after becoming Neon Spire’s most prominent family, the Richardses never forgot their gratitude.
Whenever a Palmer arrived at a Richards gathering, they were always treated as an honored guest.
The Palmers, proud of their noble blood and past favor, had never shown deference to the Richardses. They always acted as benefactors,
never giving the Richards family the Chce to return the favor.
Yet here was Celia, toasting the Richards family for the very first time.
“What on earth did Miss Gonzales do on stage with Miss Palmer? Celia’s whole attitude has changed p>
“Maybe Miss Gonzales just won her over with sheer force of character. After all, she’s the only one besides Miss Palmer who can even open the Vitality bottle.” “Right, right, they’re kindred spirits p>
11
The evening continued in high spirits until the party finally drew to a close around nine o’clock.
Caitlin found Celia and handed her a folded prescription. “If you take these herbs for two weeks, you can completely cure the postpartum incontinence and seizures p>
Celia accepted the note, her voice trembling. “You mean-my illness can really be cured p>
Both epilepsy and postpartum incontinence had haunted Celia.
Epilepsy, at least, could sometimes be managed.
But lately, the seizures had become more frequent, and the incontinence-horrifying. It struck without warning, like an unwanted period bending over standing up ever a sneeze could cause it
“I’m eighty percent sure,” Caitlin replied.
Celia clenched the prescription, her eyes misting over. “Why are you helping me p>
she whispered. “You don’t even like me. And I’ve hurt you before p>
Whenever her seizures struck, Celia remained conscious. She remembered everything.
The moment she collapsed, she’d thought it was over-that Caitlin would seize the opportunity for payback, and tomorrow’s international headlines would be about her.
Unwed mother. Postpartum incontinence. Epileptic.
She couldn’t even imagine what it would mean for her if such news made the front
page.
But Caitlin hadn’t done any of that. Instead, she’d protected Celia’s privacy.
To Celia, that was even more important than saving her life.
Caitlin held her gaze, speaking slowly. “You’re right, I don’t like you p>
“But a woman’s suffering should never be a punchline at the dinner
table-never something to be
laughed at or exploited. I’m not
helping you I’m helping an innocent mother.