Chapter 80: An Unexpected Visitor

The morning after their steamy office encounter, Estelle arrived at the firm feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She wasn't sure how Celeste managed to compartmentalize so easily, but for Estelle, it was becoming increasingly difficult to separate her personal feelings from her professional responsibilities.

She was halfway through organizing a case file when the door to Celeste's office opened, and a man stepped inside. Estelle recognized him immediately: Edward Thorne, Celeste's father.

Edward exuded authority, his tailored suit impeccable, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed. His piercing blue eyes swept over the office before landing on Estelle, his expression unreadable.

"Ah, you must be Estelle Brooks," he said, his tone polite but distant.

Estelle stood, unsure whether to extend her hand or wait for him to make the first move. "Yes, that's me. And you're Mr. Thorne?"

Edward gave a small nod, his gaze sharp as it lingered on her. "Indeed. I've heard quite a bit about you."

The words sent a chill down Estelle's spine. She couldn't tell if they were meant as a compliment or a warning. Before she could respond, Celeste walked in, her heels clicking against the floor with precision.

"Father," Celeste said, her voice cool. "What are you doing here?"

Edward turned to face his daughter, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I thought I'd stop by to see how things were going. And to meet the infamous Estelle Brooks."

Celeste's eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone remained calm. "Estelle is one of my brightest interns. You'll find she's far more than whatever you've imagined."

Edward chuckled softly, his gaze flicking back to Estelle. "I'm sure she is. But tell me, Estelle, do you think this... arrangement... with my daughter is sustainable?"

Estelle's heart sank at the question, but she refused to show her unease. "With all due respect, Mr. Thorne, I don't think that's for you to decide."

Edward's eyes gleamed with something that looked almost like approval, but his tone remained clipped. "We'll see about that."

The tension in the room was palpable as Edward excused himself, leaving Estelle and Celeste alone. Estelle let out a shaky breath, turning to Celeste. "What was that about?"

Celeste's jaw tightened, her eyes dark with frustration. "My father has always been... overbearing. Don't let him intimidate you. He doesn't get to dictate our lives."

But as Celeste spoke, Estelle couldn't help but feel a nagging sense of doubt creeping in. Was their relationship truly strong enough to withstand the pressure from someone like Edward Thorne?