Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Celeste froze . Adrian's spine went rigid . " I told you not to go to him . " [ ] Celeste's grip on his arm slowly loosened . [ ] " Sorry . I just felt that my business with him shouldn't involve you . " [ ] Adrian grasped her hand . " So whatever you promised him , you don't need to tell me either ? " [ ] His tone was unusually off . Celeste said , " What did I promise ? " ] She met Adrian's cold , angry gaze calmly . " I didn't promise him anything . " Adrian looked into her eyes . [ ] Celeste took a deep breath . " Adrian , if I'd promised him something , I would have told you ! Are you going to doubt me over some baseless accusation ? Or would you rather believe someone else than believe me ? " || ll say it one more time - I only had a meal with him . I didn't promise him anything . " ] e . " ] She shook off Adrian's hand and turned away . " If you don't believe me , please leave . " She stood stiffly . Behind her , silence stretched for a long time . Finally , she heard a sigh . Adrian slowly embraced her from behind , his chin resting gently on her shoulder . She tilted her head slightly and could hear his voice , low and anxious , near her ear . ] " Don't meet with him , Celeste : " [ ] He said , " I don't want you meeting with him . " ] n . " [ ] Celeste's heart ached . " Just wait a little longer , okay? It'll be over soon . " Four more times , and everything would be finished . ] ] The night was misty . Adrian's lashes lowered as he slowly kissed her lips . [ ] The next day , Adrian replaced all raw materials sourced through Ashford Corporation , purchasing them through different channels . The director said , " That increases our costs by several percentage points . " Adrian nodded . " It's fine . " [ ] At least they wouldn't be at anyone's mercy . Calming down , he understood Dominic's purpose in coming to see him that day . First use Victor to control Celeste , then use him to force Celeste to seek Dominic out . [ ] Celeste had never backed down , but her weakness always seemed to be him . Cutting ties with Ashford Corporation would cost them something , but at least Celeste wouldn't be at anyone's mercy anymore . [ ] Adrian took out his phone and checked his messages . Victor had entered the military and wouldn't be back for about three years . ]] His eyes darkened . He put away his phone and drove to Celeste's place . [ ] At the apartment , Celeste answered the phone somewhat flustered . " Adrian ? " [] Hearing her voice , Adrian felt all his exhaustion from recent days dissipate . ] " Can you cook tonight ? " ] Celeste choked up , looking across the table at Dominic watching her coldly . She lowered her voice . " I already ate out . " [ ] Adrian said , " Then can I come see you ? ' Celeste quickly said , " You haven't eaten dinner , right ? Go eat somewhere . I want to rest early tonight . " [ ] " Oh . " Adrian made a sound of acknowledgment , his voice tinged with a smile . " But I miss you . " [ ] Celeste's throat suddenly closed up . She really didn't want to see Adrian looking disappointed . [ ] Chapter 23 But then she looked up at Dominic again . She bit her lip and steeled herself to refuse . " I'll come see you tomorrow , okay ? " After a few more words , h " Mr. Ashford , what do you want this time ? " ] Dominic had listened quietly to her entire conversation with Adrian . Only now did he speak in a low voice . [ ] " Do I need a reason to see you Celeste didn't answer , only looked at him warily . ] Dominic watched her expression , then suddenly laughed , his voice somewhat melancholy . " Today is August 17th . " ] Celeste paused , then suddenly remembered . [ ] August 17th was Dominic's birthday . ] ]