Chapter 19
That evening. Celia’s mother kicked on her dom.
Having seen the domestic news, she asked about Celia’e thoughts.
Celia stated plainly that she and Knox had no futute together.
Since she was already “dead” in the country, it was better to let the misunderstanding continge
This would prevent Knox from seeking her out if he learned she was alive.
Her mother nodded in agreement, saying this was for the best.
After chatting a while longer, her mother left, telling Celia to get good rest
For the next few days, Celia’s family remained at the old estate.
Each day was spent either playing chess with Grandfather or chatting with her aunt and mother–a peaceful routine
Until one day, an unexpected visitor arrived at the old house.
It was the butler from Knox’s grandfather’s household.
After suffering multiple shocks, Knox had fallen seriously ill.
All major and minor family affairs had been temporarily taken over by Knox’s grandfather.
The first thing he did was send his butler to France with generous gifts to apologize to the Montgomery family.
After all, Celia had “died” because of Knox–they were the guilty party.
Knox’s grandfather didn’t seek forgiveness, only hoped that for the sake of past relations, the Montgomery family wouldn’t blame Knox, who had already received his comeuppance.
The Whitfield family’s sudden visit caught Celia off guard.
Her aunt quickly ushered Celia’s family into the study, instructing them not to come downstairs no matter what happened.
After her aunt went downstairs, the butler stood beside the sofa with his gifts, bowing to apologize to Grandfather Montgomery.
He relayed Knox’s grandfather’s words exactly.
Grandfather Montgomery listened without a word, not even glancing at the butler.
They remained in this standoff until her aunt approached sternly.
“Butler Whitfield, since you know our Montgomery family doesn’t welcome you, why travel all this way?”
“Aren’t you just asking for trouble?”
The Whitfield butler’s expression grew more apologetic. Being in the wrong, he couldn’t argue back and could only continue apologizing.
But her aunt couldn’t bear to hear more. She wayed dismissively. “Apologies are useless–can they bring my niece back to life?”
“Leave now. And tell the Whitfield family we never want any contact again.”
“Otherwise, you know what the Montgomery family is capable of.”
The butler’s face went white as his remaining words stuck in his throat.
Her aunt didn’t spare him another glance, instead helping Grandfather upstairs while instructing another servant to escort the visitor out.
This small incident didn’t greatly affect Celia, but it did impact Knox and his family back home.
75.09
When the butler relayed her aunt’s exact words, both Knox and his grandfather’s faces went pale.
Knox’s feelings were especially complex. If not for his physical condition, he would have flown to France immediately to kneel before the Montgomery family.
He knew the Montgomerys hated him, but he hadn’t expected their hatred to run so deep–cutting off all contact.
He could understand Celia’s parents not returning–seeing her grave would only increase their grief
That wasn’t what Celia would have wanted.
But Grandfather Montgomery had adored his granddaughter. Even if his health prevented long–distance travel, he could have sent someone to pay respects to Celia..
Since he chose not to return, something felt strange.
But Knox couldn’t pinpoint what.
Just then, Knox’s grandfather finally spoke after long silence.
He sighed deeply, looking at Knox. “When your health improves, you should go to France yourself. Even if they won’t see you, you can kneel outside and apologize.”
“After all, you’re the one in the wrong here.”
As he spoke, his eyes held deep regret.
If he’d known his grandson and Celia would end this way, he never would have allowed her to marry into the family.
Knox nodded, helping his grandfather back to his room before returning downstairs.
His assistant approached. “CEO, Vivian says she wants to see you.”
At Vivian’s name, Knox paused for a long moment before remembering who that was.
Since sending Vivian to prison a month ago, he’d quickly forgotten her existence.
Now hearing she wanted to see him, Knox instinctively wanted to refuse.
“Don’t mention her to me again. Whether she lives or dies is none of my business.”
But his assistant looked troubled. “Vivian says what she wants to discuss concerns Miss Montgomery.”
At Celia’s name, Knox’s departing footsteps suddenly stopped. After a long silence, he spoke again.
“Get the car. We’re going to the prison.”
C
