Chapter 136

Lila was already impressed by Celeste's reflection in the mirror.

But when Celeste turned around, Lila's eyes widened even more.

"Oh my gosh, Ms. Windsor, you look like an angel! How can anyone be this beautiful?"

Lila circled around Celeste, marveling at her transformation. "I can't believe you did your own makeup, Ms. Windsor. It looks so natural!"

"Even I, as a woman, thought you were naturally this stunning. Mr. Johnson won't suspect a thing!"

Celeste's face lit up with determination at Lila's words.

"I heard Frederick is coming over for breakfast today. I can't miss such a great opportunity!"

Celeste turned back to the mirror, scrutinizing her appearance. "Can you check if there's anything off?"

"Ms. Windsor, you look perfect. I heard Mr. Johnson just arrived! We shouldn't keep him waiting!"

Lila's voice dropped to a whisper. "He just got here and is downstairs."

"He's here already? This early?" Celeste thought she had woken up early, but Frederick had beaten her to it.

Luckily, she was ready. "Where are Mom, Dad, and that wretch Alexandra?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Windsor are still resting, and Ms. Alexandra's room is quiet. She must still be asleep."

It was just past dawn, barely five in the morning.

Andrew and Susan wouldn't be up for at least another hour.

As for Alexandra, she was disciplined, but it was still too early. She'd probably sleep for another half hour.

"We need to go downstairs now!"

Celeste saw this as a rare opportunity. "With everyone still asleep, I'm the only one here to welcome our guest!"

Lila quickly understood. "You're right, Ms. Windsor. Let's go!"

Frederick had just arrived downstairs.

Since the Windsor family was still asleep, he didn't rush inside.

He had come early to see Alexandra as soon as possible.

He had dreamt about her all night and felt a pang of sadness upon waking.

It was only 4 AM, but he couldn't fall back asleep.

After some thought, he decided to get up, get ready, and head to the Windsor house.

Celeste spotted Frederick sitting in the garden gazebo as soon as she came downstairs.

She quickly adjusted her dress and hurried over.

"Frederick, why are you here so early?"

Nathan, standing nearby, was shocked to see Celeste.

Though it was summer, the early morning was chilly.

Celeste was wearing a thin strap dress, shivering in the breeze.

Celeste was willing to sacrifice comfort for beauty.

Frederick didn't even look up at the sound of her voice.

Celeste sat down beside him, undeterred. "Mom, Dad, and Alexandra are still asleep. Are you hungry? I could make you breakfast."

"No need." Frederick's tone was icy.

Celeste felt a sting but pressed on.

"It's windy out here. How about I get you a cup of hot milk?"

"That's not necessary." He rejected her again.

Several Windsor family servants were watching them.

Celeste's face showed signs of embarrassment, but she forced a smile.

"Frederick, maybe..."

But Frederick cut her off.

"Do you need something?"

His cold demeanor made Celeste's heart skip a beat.

She was at a loss for words but kept smiling.

"Frederick, you came over so early. As the host, I should take care of you."

"I'm not here for you. I don't need your hospitality."

Frederick didn't spare her any dignity. "I'm just waiting for Alexandra to wake up. You don't need to trouble yourself, Miss Windsor."

The formal "Miss Windsor" created a clear distance between them.

Celeste bit her lip. "Frederick, we knew each other first. We were engaged. Why have you been so cold to me since Alexandra came? Why do you push me away?"

"Are we that close?"

Frederick looked at her with confusion, finding her words absurd.

"I never acknowledged our engagement."

"If I hadn't found out later that my fiancée was Alexandra, I would have called off the engagement long ago."

"We've barely interacted. Your words are quite baffling."

Celeste hadn't expected Frederick to speak so harshly in the Windsor house, leaving her embarrassed.

The atmosphere between them was tense, and the onlookers whispered among themselves.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying Celeste's discomfort, and she clenched her fists in anger.

"Frederick! Have you forgotten how often we used to be together?"

"I think you're mistaken, Miss Windsor."

Frederick didn't hesitate. "Whether in the past or the future, please don't bother me. I have a fiancée and don't want her to misunderstand. So, please respect yourself."

He emphasized "respect yourself" again.

"Frederick."

Celeste was on the verge of tears.

She reached out to grab Frederick's arm, leaning forward, revealing her cleavage.

Nathan, seeing this, instinctively turned away and closed his eyes.

Frederick's brow furrowed deeply. He pulled his arm away, his tone even colder. "Celeste Windsor, do you not understand plain English?"

He called her by her full name, making his stance clear.

Celeste trembled slightly, genuinely afraid.

Frederick was well-known for his temper and principles.

Even when Celeste was a pampered socialite, she wouldn't have dared to cross him.

Hearing him call her by her full name, she was truly scared.