Chapter 57

Maria stepped closer, ignoring Celine's anger. "I came because of Nico. Because of you. And because of Calvin."  

"If this is about Nico, I'm not interested in hearing about it," Celine cut in coldly. "And I don't have time for this chat. Please leave before I call security."  

However, Maria did not budge. The woman approached Celine's table, looking at her sharply. "Celine, you have to hear this. You can hate Nico. You may consider him a coward or a traitor. But there was a reason behind everything he did in the past."  

Celine crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes full of suspicion. "What reason? To ruin my life? To destroy my family? I don't care about the reasons, Mom. Nico has hurt me enough."  

Maria took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Back then, Nico didn't betray you because he wanted to. He did it for your safety."  

"My salvation?" Celine snorted, her tone full of mockery. "That's