Chapter 166

Celeste's burning gaze remained fixed on Evelyn. How could Evelyn simply sit there, allowing Ethan to publicly humiliate Lila like that? Weren't they supposed to be family? Was Evelyn finding some twisted amusement in this spectacle? Was she secretly reveling in Lila's discomfort?

Celeste's contempt for Evelyn grew deeper as she studied her cousin's composed expression.

Lila forced a brittle smile, her voice tight with suppressed anger. "Yes, I understand perfectly."

The tension around the dinner table thickened like fog, yet Ethan and Evelyn appeared completely unaffected. They sat close, engaged in quiet conversation, utterly indifferent to the discomfort radiating from others.

Celeste, however, wasn't about to let this slide. With a practiced smile and a wine glass in hand, she approached them, her movements deliberately graceful.

"Mr. Caldwell," she purred, "I'm Evelyn's cousin, Celeste Sinclair. What an absolute pleasure to finally meet you."

"Would you honor me with a drink?" she asked, tilting her head coquettishly.

Ethan glanced up, his expression unreadable. After a brief hesitation, he lifted his glass. He reasoned that since Celeste was Evelyn's cousin, outright rejection would be impolite. Besides, Evelyn hadn't mentioned any particular animosity between them, so their relationship must have been at least civil.

Celeste's smile widened as their glasses touched. But at the precise moment of contact, her fingers "slipped," sending dark red wine cascading onto Ethan's immaculate black trousers.

"Oh my God! Mr. Caldwell, I'm so terribly sorry!" Celeste gasped theatrically, snatching a napkin and reaching toward his lap with exaggerated concern.

Ethan's face darkened instantly as he blocked her hand with a sharp movement.

Evelyn smoothly handed him a fresh napkin, her voice calm but firm. "Ethan, the restroom is just down the hall."

"Right," Ethan accepted the napkin and strode away without another glance at Celeste.

Undeterred, Celeste made to follow him. "Please, Mr. Caldwell, let me make this right!" she called after him, taking several quick steps.

"Stay where you are," Evelyn's voice cut through the air like ice. "Where exactly do you think you're going?"

Celeste froze, feigning innocence. "I just wanted to help Mr. Caldwell. It was my mistake after all."

Evelyn nearly rolled her eyes at the transparent act. "That won't be necessary. Return to your seat," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"But I—" Celeste bit her plump lower lip, putting on her best distressed expression.

"Now," Evelyn's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

Under the watchful eyes of Cassandra and Julian, Celeste had no choice but to comply, though resentment burned in her eyes as she slunk back to her chair.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan returned, his trousers cleaned and nearly dry.

The moment he settled back into his seat, Celeste was at it again, her voice dripping with false remorse. "Mr. Caldwell, I can't apologize enough for my clumsiness."

"It was entirely my fault. I'm usually much more coordinated," she simpered.

Ethan remained silent, clearly unwilling to engage.

"If you're still upset, you're welcome to pour your drink on me," Celeste offered boldly, pushing a fresh glass toward Ethan with a challenging smile.