The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 7

Norma's attention had been entirely fixated on the study down the hall, but hearing Celia's question, a flicker of emotion flashed through her eyes.

Looking at Celia, she tested the waters. "Why would you ask that? Did you... hear a rumor or something?"

Seeing Norma's reaction, it was obvious she was fully aware of Talbot's new "love interest."

Celia bit her lip nervously. "Last night, I saw a news article saying Talbot was shopping with another girl, and they looked really close..."

Norma frowned, her voice instantly spiking in volume. "You're doubting my brother over some stupid gossip?! Is that the kind of person you think he is, Celia?"

"No, no, I'm just a little worried..."

"Worried about what? Worried he'll fall for someone else?" Norma snapped impatiently. "Do you have any idea how much pressure my brother is under running Forrester Group? Could you be just a little bit more understanding?"

Celia lowered her head, her long eyelashes fluttering downward. "It's just that Talbot hasn't contacted me in days, and I have no idea what he's been doing..."

"Then you obviously did something to make him mad! Instead of figuring out how to make it up to him, your first instinct is to drag his name through the mud?!"

Celia kept her head bowed, remaining silent. Her feather-like lashes trembled, and the corners of her eyes flushed red.

Norma let out a cold snort and ignored her.

Not far away, Ken was bringing in the last of the gift baskets from the car. The two women hadn't bothered lowering their voices, so he heard every word with absolute clarity.

He cast a glance at Celia, frowning in subtle disapproval. Everyone said the Stafford heiress was a perfect, quiet, obedient girl who never lost her temper and never stepped out of line. He had even heard men in their social circle say she was the perfect choice for a wife—someone to marry just to keep the elders happy.

But growing up in high society without any thorns or edges, simply taking abuse without fighting back, meant you were just begging to be crushed.

—That was Ken's initial assessment of Celia.

For the rest of the time, Celia and Norma sat on the sofa in awkward silence. It wasn't until the study door clicked open that Norma instantly shot up, her eyes glued to the hallway.

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