I turned to her, feigning exasperation. “Look, I know you want to take Walter away, but Ineedthis house. My social media followers will love following its makeover and I can’t do that with you and your news crews hanging around.”
Celeste made a small harrumphing sound that was impossible to interpret. “I would have thought the attention would be beneficial.”
“It is. Or was. But enough is enough.” I balled my fists and planted them on my hips.
“And what about Walter?” Celeste asked. “I don’t think he’s interested in your renovation plans.”
“It’ll be my home soon enough,” Ethan said.
Celeste’s gaze slid from Ethan to me and then back to Ethan, as if weighing the situation.
I went in for the kill. “If it’s money that will get you to back off and go away, I’m willing to make a deal.”
Celeste’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, really?” She stepped farther inside, shutting the door behind her. “And just how much are you offering?”
Ethan tensed beside me, but he kept his face impassive.
I folded my arms. “Enough to make it worth your while.”
Celeste tilted her head, eyes flicking between us. “I see. And I suppose you two justhappenedto be waiting here for me?”
I let out an impatient sigh. “Do you want the deal or not?”
For a moment, she hesitated—then, she laughed softly. “Fine,” she said smoothly. “Make it twenty grand, and I’ll be on my way.”
Ethan didn’t move, but I caught the subtle shift of his hand near his pocket. He had what we needed.
“Done,” I said quickly. “But I need it in writing.”
Celeste smirked. “Oh, honey, I don’t do contracts. Cash will do just fine.”
Ethan finally spoke, voice casual but firm. “I think we’ll take this to the authorities instead.”
Celeste’s smile faltered. “What?”
Ethan pulled his phone from his pocket, the red recording light blinking. “Got every word.”
Celeste’s expression darkened, her poised demeanor cracking for the first time. “You little—”
I lifted my chin, my heart still pounding but my voice steady. “I’d suggest you start packing.”
She stared at us for a long, tense moment before spinning on her heel and storming out the front door.
The sound of her car speeding off was the sweetest noise I’d heard all day.
Ethan exhaled and looked at me. “Well,” he said, a slow grin forming, “that went better than expected.”
I let out a breathless laugh. “Yeah. Let’s just hope she stays away.”
But deep down, I wasn’t sure Celeste was the kind of person to leave quietly.
