Chapter 59: Nathaniel had a first love?

"Celeste was always a bully back in school! I crossed her once... and got booted out. And then she went on to play a part in my fiancé's death!"

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed sharply, his fingers drumming on the desk, his face unreadable.

His voice was deep and somber, "I have no tolerance for liars."

"It's the truth!" Hallie insisted urgently.

His voice remained steady, commanding, chilling Hallie to the bone.

Nathaniel glanced at her coldly. The rage on her face seemed real, not feigned.

After a brief silence, he slid an invitation across to her.

"Castor Hotel, Miss Stewart, you've been given a new identity."

Hallie gripped the invitation, her face lighting up with excitement, "Mr. Ford, I won't disappoint you."

Behind her, Nathaniel stood up, looking out over the bustling city from the high-rise...

Celeste, don't let me down.

...

Celeste intended to keep things low-key, show up at the party, and then head next door to see Zoe.

However, she was taken aback to find an unexpected guest.

The woman was clad in a maroon cheongsam, glowing with confidence and allure as she walked, her aura screaming 'radiance.'

That unmistakably familiar face—

"Celeste, long time no see."

Hallie Stewart.

Celeste was startled, instantly recognizing her. Memories of their past surfaced swiftly—she could recognize that face anywhere!

"Celeste, your face... it looks untouched."

Hallie was stunned by Celeste's beauty. Had someone not confirmed it, she would have never believed that this incredibly beautiful woman was Celeste.

How could she possibly look even more beautiful after what they did to her face?

Celeste's gaze was cool, detached as she looked Hallie over, "What?"

"Tsk, same old Celeste, always so aloof."

"You haven't changed either, still as unpleasant as ever. Just a few words and you're already grating," Celeste retorted sharply.

"You..."

Hallie clenched her teeth, her hatred for Celeste's calm, unshakeable demeanor as strong as ever. Nothing ever seemed to disrupt her serene facade.

Until that day, when they held Celeste down and scarred her beautiful face, the first time Hallie saw anger in Celeste's eyes.

Yet, against all odds, Celeste had managed to rise again, now even married into the Ford family!

Hallie's resentment deepened.

She wanted Celeste to fall from grace!

Glancing briefly at Felix nearby, Hallie whispered threateningly, "Still sharp-tongued, huh? But Celeste, you surely wouldn't want your husband to find out who you really are, right?"

Celeste narrowed her eyes.

Perfect...

Hallie had left school early on, and Celeste never had her chance for revenge.

Now, she had walked right into her trap!

Seeing Celeste remain quiet, Hallie assumed her threat had hit the mark. She stepped forward, tilting her wine glass menacingly. "Maybe if you beg me on your knees, I might consider keeping your little secret for a few more days?"

"Really? Well, I should thank you then..." Celeste said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she looked up and suddenly knocked the glass from Hallie's hand—

It shattered with a loud crash, glass flying everywhere.

Hallie yelped as she hit the floor, her hand catching on the shards, her eyes wide with shock and fear as she looked up at Celeste. "Why did you push me?"

Celeste paused for a moment, mildly impressed.

So, she's learned to play the victim now!

But who was she performing for?

"What's all this noise?" A familiar voice suddenly filled the room, causing Celeste to startle.

Sure enough, there was Nathaniel, impeccably dressed, his presence commanding.

His mere glance was enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat!

He walked over and effortlessly helped Hallie to her feet, his probing eyes on Celeste, his voice icy.

"Celeste, you shouldn't be bullying her."

"Me? Bully her?" Celeste couldn't hide her disbelief.

Her acting was atrocious. Couldn't Nathaniel see that?

"Mr. Ford, I just wanted to say hi to Celeste, and she lashed out at me. She's as unreasonable as she's always been!" Hallie clung to Nathaniel, playing the victim.

That trick again?

Celeste internally rolled her eyes but managed to conjure up a look of wounded innocence, her eyes brimming with fake tears as she faced Nathaniel. "Mr. Ford, why are you siding with her? I am your wife, after all."

"But Miss Stewart was also his first love," Felix added, just in time to stir the pot.

"What?" Celeste's eyes bulged, barely managing to keep her composure.

First love?

Nathaniel had a first love?

Despite Hallie's decent background, she was no match for Nathaniel. When had their paths ever crossed?

Just like in a soap opera...

So, Hallie is Nathaniel's long-lost love??!!