Chapter118 Celeste's Invitation
As evening fell, Miranda drove back to the Prescott estate.
The car entered the grounds and stopped by the fountain.
She'd just walked into the living room when she saw two people sitting on the sofa.
Mr. Prescott was drinking tea, and sitting beside him was Celeste.
Seeing Miranda enter, Celeste's eyes flashed with something sharp. She immediately set down her teacup and stood up warmly.
"Miranda, you're finally back."
That "Miranda" was so sweet, completely unlike the usual Celeste who rolled her eyes and made sarcastic remarks. They seemed like two different people.
Miranda frowned. Celeste had never liked her. Even in front of Mr. Prescott and Clifton, she just pretended not to see her. Why was she being so enthusiastic today?
"Grandfather."
Miranda respectfully greeted Mr. Prescott first, then looked at Celeste, asking flatly, "Celeste, you're here too."
"Yes, I came specially to wait for Miranda."
Celeste came over and linked arms with Miranda.
"Grandfather, look how thin Miranda's gotten from working so hard. There's a competition at the equestrian club tomorrow. I want to take Miranda there to relax."
She turned to Mr. Prescott, acting coy. "Besides, my sister-in-law has been married to my cousin for so long, she should get integrated into our circle. All my friends want to meet Miranda."
Miranda calmly extracted her arm.
"I'm pretty busy with work. I'm afraid I don't have time."
"Oh come on, no matter how busy you are, you need to rest."
Celeste persisted. "Besides, so many socialites and heiresses will be there. Miranda, you represent my cousin's reputation. If you don't go, people will think my cousin is hiding you away because you're not presentable."
At these words, Mr. Prescott set down his teacup.
"Miranda."
He spoke slowly, his tone gentle but carrying unconscious authority.
"Celeste has a point. Since you married into the Prescott family, you're Mrs. Prescott. Though you're focused on work, you can't completely disconnect from our circle."
"Go with Celeste tomorrow. Show your face and let them know what kind of person our Mrs. Prescott is."
Grandfather had spoken, elevating it to a matter of family reputation.
If Miranda refused now, she'd seem unreasonable.
She glanced at Celeste.
Celeste's face showed a smile, revealing nothing else.
But right now, she couldn't refuse.
"Alright, Grandfather." Miranda complied obediently. "I'll go tomorrow then."
"Wonderful!"
Celeste clapped her hands happily. "Miranda, get plenty of rest tonight. Make sure you dress beautifully tomorrow. Don't embarrass my cousin, okay?"
After saying a few more playful words to Grandfather, she left.
Back in her room.
Miranda's compliant expression vanished instantly, replaced by gravity.
Celeste had never approved of her. How could she kindly be bringing her to integrate into their circle?
Equestrian club...
Miranda opened her computer and searched for the club's name.
Sure enough, there really was a large equestrian competition tomorrow, and it had been announced a month ago, not a last-minute decision.
Could it really just be simple socializing?
Miranda looked at the information on the screen, feeling slightly relieved, but that sense of unease still lingered.
Whatever tricks Celeste wanted to pull, since she couldn't avoid it, she'd face it head-on.
Miranda closed the computer and lay on the bed.
Her mind was a mess, alternating between the company's material shortage and tomorrow's equestrian event.
This night was destined to be sleepless.
The next day.
Miranda had just reached the staircase landing when her steps paused.
On the European-style sofa in the living room, Celeste sat primly, holding a cup of coffee, with a conspicuous large orange gift box on the coffee table beside her.
Hearing footsteps, Celeste looked up. That face usually full of arrogance and criticism was now wreathed in smiles.
"Miranda, you're up?"
She set down her coffee cup and opened the orange box efficiently.
"Look, I specially prepared this for you."
Celeste stood up, holding the outfit toward Miranda. "This is a custom piece from H, the same line as what I'm wearing."
Miranda looked down, glancing at the seemingly perfect riding outfit.
The fabric was crisp, the tailoring exquisite. It was quality indeed.
Celeste urged, "Miranda, go try it on quickly."
Miranda calmly stepped back half a pace, avoiding Celeste's outstretched hand.
"No need." Her tone was flat, emotionless. "I'll change at the club."
Celeste's smile froze momentarily, as if she hadn't expected to be refused. Displeasure flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.
"Fine then."
Celeste shrugged, not insisting. "Suit yourself. If you don't like this one, the club's VIP room has plenty of other designer pieces. You can pick something there."
With that, she closed the box and held it to her chest. "Let's go. The car's waiting outside."
The two women got into the car, one after the other.
The interior was spacious, the AC running full blast.
As soon as Celeste got in, she pulled out her phone, fingers flying across the screen texting someone, her lips occasionally curving into a smile.
Miranda leaned back in her seat, her gaze fixed on the scenery flashing by outside, though her mind was calculating.
Celeste was acting too strange today.
After about forty minutes, the car slowly entered the elite equestrian club on the outskirts.
This entire area was Prescott property, heavily secured. Only the wealthy and powerful could enter.
Getting out of the car, Celeste led Miranda to the VIP changing room with practiced ease.
"I'll wait for you outside."
Celeste set the orange box on the table, turned and walked out, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Only Miranda remained in the room.
She stared at the box for a few seconds before walking over to open it.
Taking out the white riding outfit, Miranda didn't rush to change. Instead, she examined the clothes inside and out.
Collar, cuffs, waistline, pant legs...
Every seam, every pocket, she inspected thoroughly.
No needles, no razors, no strange powder, not even an odd smell.
Really just an ordinary custom riding outfit.
Miranda's brow furrowed slightly.
Was she overthinking this?
Just then, Celeste's voice came from outside.
"Are you changed yet?"
"Almost." Miranda replied through the door.
A few minutes later, Miranda checked herself in the mirror, confirming there was no discomfort, before pushing the door open.
As soon as she stepped out, she heard girlish laughter nearby.
Celeste stood under a parasol in the lounge area, surrounded by three or four fashionably dressed young women.
Though Miranda couldn't name them, they looked familiar. They were probably heiresses circulating in this social circle.
"Celeste, that red looks amazing on you. Really brings out your complexion."
"Of course, this is a limited edition. There are only a few in the world."
"By the way, you mentioned bringing a friend. Who is it? Who has the honor of you personally waiting for them?"
The girls were chattering away when Celeste looked up and spotted Miranda emerging.