Chapter 454 Grooming Trusted Lieutenants

• Watching Justin Howard leave with pain written on his face, Celia Jeane couldn’t help feeling low. She didn’t want to hurt him either, but she was sick of Ruth Jeane constantly stirring up trouble. For Justin’s sake, she had already swallowed her pride and walked away. She’d done more than enough. Yet Ruth kept pushing—kicking her out of the Howard Family wasn’t enough; she wanted her out of the city too. No way was Celia okay with that.
• She stayed only because loose ends here were dragging her down, not because of Justin. And even if she stayed, so what? Ruth had zero right to decide where Celia went.
• She knew Justin had understood what she’d said just now—she didn’t want him bothering her anymore. And she knew those words would hit him like a knife to the heart. But right now, there was no good move. Staying would hurt. Leaving would hurt. She felt helpless.