The Boy She Tried to Throw Out

Chapter 09 - Celeste’s Defense

Celeste’s defense was elegant.

She did not deny intercepting the letters. She called it crisis management. She did not deny sending the false custody notice. She claimed it prevented Marissa from exposing Theo to a damaging inheritance battle. She did not deny the private investigator. She described it as a security assessment.

Every cruelty became a professional phrase.

Julian met her in a conference room with Elias and two independent attorneys present.

Celeste wore a cream suit instead of red. She had changed costumes, hoping neutrality might make her look reasonable.

“You were drowning after you believed the baby died,” she told Julian. “I kept you functional.”

“You created the grief.”

“I protected the company.”

“You stole my son.”

“I prevented a scandal that would have destroyed the merger.”

Julian leaned forward.

“You still think this is about a merger.”

Celeste’s composure cracked.

“You think Marissa returned because she loves you? She came because Theodore died and the trust changed.”

Julian looked at Elias.

The attorney opened a document.

Theodore’s amended trust gave Theo a significant inheritance, but Marissa had not known. The invitation Elias sent contained no financial information.

Celeste’s accusation collapsed.

She tried another weapon.

“You cannot rebuild a family with a woman who hates you.”

Julian answered quietly. “Maybe not.”

Celeste smiled, relieved too soon.

“But I can become a father without owning her forgiveness.”

The smile vanished.

He removed the engagement ring box from his pocket and placed it on the table.

It had never been publicly presented.

Now it never would be.

Celeste stared at it.

“You owe me.”