Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-six

"Umm... How can we help you?" One attendant asked hesitantly, her tone polite but laced with judgement.

"I'd like to speak with your madame," Celeste said, keeping her tone even and poised.

"I'm afraid she's busy. She's not seeing anyone today," the woman replied curtly.

Celeste folded her arms. "Just tell her it's me. I'm sure she'll want to see me."

The woman's lips curled faintly. "Why do you think you can just walk in here and make demands? You're not who you used to be anymore."

Celeste's eyes narrowed, her voice sharpening like the edge of glass. "How dare you speak to me like that? I didn't come here to be insulted by a silly attendant."

Clara tugged gently on her arm. "Maybe we should go..."

"Yes, you should," another attendant chimed in smugly. "This place isn't meant for you anymore."

Celeste's jaw tightened, but instead of replying to the insults, she offered a sharp, dignified smile. "Come on, Clara," she said coolly, her voice steady but laced with frost. "We don't waste time on small-minded people."

The attendants froze as Celeste turned, skirts brushing elegantly against the floor while Clara followed close behind.

Outside, Clara huffed. "They were unbelievably rude."

Celeste exhaled, her composure returning. "That's what happens when you lose your title and influence. They think they can look down on you." Her eyes hardened. "But I'll prove them wrong."

Clara looked at her curiously. "So what now?"

"I suppose a partnership wasn't meant to be," Celeste said. "I'll do it myself. It'll cost more, but it'll be mine."

Clara smiled faintly. "That's the spirit."

Celeste's eyes brightened. "Come on. I know somewhere we can check out."

✿✿

"Hello," Celeste said as she stepped into Freya's agency. The small office smelt faintly of old paper.

Freya looked up from a book, startled. "Oh... it's you. Let me guess-your secret society needs help again?"

Celeste crossed her arms. "Actually, no. Evelyn told me your job is to help people, right?"

Freya tilted her head. "Technically, yes. But that depends on what kind of help-and it's not free, you know."

Celeste frowned. "You never billed Evelyn."

Freya flushed slightly. "That's... different."

Celeste arched a brow. "No, it's not."

Freya sighed. "Fine. What do you want?"

"I need help finding something. I'm starting a business, but I don't have a place yet-or the equipment, or materials."

Freya's expression softened with interest. "Oh? What kind of business?"

"Fashion and beauty," Celeste said proudly.

Freya grinned. "That actually sounds fun. You know, I have a cousin who's a really talented seamstress, but she's been struggling to find work." She leaned forward, eyes glinting. "If you hire her, I'll find you a location and connect you with suppliers-for free."

Celeste's lips curved into a smirk. "Deal. But I'll need to meet her first."

"Of course," Freya said, standing and grabbing her coat. "She lives just a few blocks from here. Let's go surprise her."