Novel Square
Chapter 57
It felt like there was no chance he’d be walking out of here today unless he gave them the answer they wanted.
With his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his gaze settled on Estrella. Staring at her. for a while, Jason said expressionlessly. “Alright.
Estrella couldn’t help but let out a smug chuckle at Jason’s concession, as if to say, “I thought you had more backbone.”
In reality, the pressure from Kristin and Keith meant nothing to him; how he’d respond to the collective push from the family was entirely up to his current mood. It was his choice to make.
“Jason, you’ve given your word, and now we’re all looking forward to toasting to your new fatherhood next year.”
“Indeed, it’s about time you settled down,” people chimed in around him.
Jason pulled his right hand out of his pocket and placed it on the nape of Estrella’s neck, his voice calm, “Let’s head back and get the job done.
As Estrella lifted her head, Jason nudged her towards the door, guiding her out of the yard
Jason, you get scared too, huh? Estrella teased
With one hand still in his pocket and the other on her neck, Jason retorted, “Do you really
believe that?”
She shrugged off his hand and turned to yell into the house, Kristin Before she could finish, Jason had opened the car door and practically tossed her inside:
The car roared to life shortly after, and as they pulled away, Jason glanced at her and remarked, “You’ve turned the whole Ravenwood upside down
‘Don’t flatter me I’m not that influential, Estrella replied
As her voice faded, Jason’s phone rang with a work call
While Jason was on the call, Estrella absentmindedly scrolled through her phone. Despite Erin’s efforts to scrub last night’s trending topics and Janie’s public apology, the Lamont family’s stock had still plummeted at opening, and the losses were substantial
Estrella’s phone rang as well, it was a call from Cole
“Dad”
“Estrella, I just got a call from Wes asking if we’re interested in the Digital Springs project,” Cole’s voice was tinged with excitement yet steady.
BEN BEST
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“Just say yes, Dad.”
Cole exhaled deeply, “Estrella, you should think about coming back to work at the company.”
She chuckled, “Alright, I’ll let you know when I’ve made up my
up my mind.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
At 23, Estrella was in no rush to be tied down, with dreams and ambitions of her own to pursue.
After a brief chat, they hung up. Estrella had ensured the quality of materials for Digital Springs not just as a precaution but as a testament to Dorvold Group’s commitment to the project. If Janie hadn’t caused a scene the hight before, taking on the project would have meant a loss for the Lamont family. Estrella was well-prepared for any outcome.
After disconnecting the call, Jason too ended his phone conversation and tossed his phone aside, saying, “Making the Lamont family take such a big hit, you play rough, Estrella.”
Estrella responded with a smirk, “If I’m not tough on them, they’ll be tough on me.
Jason, still silent, gently pinched the nape of Estrella’s neck. To him, she was like a kite, it seemed she belonged to him, and she also appeared to need him, always taking the initiative. But their relationship was tethered by a thin kite string, fragile and easily severed, and Estrella’s ambitions were no smaller than his.
Jason’s sudden gentleness caught her off guard, and with a playful smile, she teased, “Scared?”
Jason scoffed, “Erin can only spar with you.”
“Really?” Estrella’s eyes sparkled, and then she added, “I have a client meeting. Take me to the law firm.”
Without protest, Jason drove her straight there.
Come evening.
As Estrella left work, she noticed a flashy blue sports car parked outside the law firm Erin’s ride. Her pace slowed, even halting for a moment.
–
Erin rolled down the window, a warm smile playing on his lips, “You really manage to balance your dream and life so well.”
“It’s a stretch, but manageable,” Estrella replied nonchalantly.
“Get in. I’ll give you a ride.”
Estrella quipped, “I’m afraid your car might be too bumpy for me.” Having just undercut him, she dared not get into his car. There was no telling what might happen next.
As Estrella stood her ground, Erin stepped out of his vehicle. Approaching her at a
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Cuple 57
leisurely pace, Erin’s voice held a teasing edge, Estrella, are you scared?”
Estrella’s hands remained in the pockets of her black wide-leg pants as she glanced at his car, “Next time you want to pick me up, bring a better car” it was a jab at Erin, who had recently lost a car race to Jason.
Erin didn’t lose his temper but kept the same warm smile, countering, “Better than your little Audi worth a few tens of thousands?”
Estrella replied, “I don’t care what I drive, but when it comes to a man’s car, I only ride in limited editions.”
She was referencing Erin’s failed attempt to outdo Jason, and Erin’s response was to shift the conversation to business. “Let’s talk about the legal representation for the Lamont family,” Erin suggested.
Estrella burst into laughter, “Erin, is this your way of pledging allegiance? Still eyeing the project?”
With the Lamont family stripped of their representation and their stocks on a downward spiral, Erin’s visit was likely an attempt to curry favor with Estrella in hopes of involving the Lamont family in the Digital Springs project, even if just in name.
Realizing his intentions, Estrella couldn’t help but tease him further, “Do you really think I’m that
easy to talk down, Erin? That I’d throw the Lamont family a lifeline?”
He had teamed up with the Manning family more times than he could count, and this time she had finally caught her chance. Estrella wouldn’t rest until she had them begging for mercy. Why on earth would she give them an opportunity to recover?
Erin took two steps forward, leaned in close, and whispered into her ear, “Estrella, having one more friend is always better than one more enemy.”
Estrella retorted, “Don’t try to brainwash me. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I’m not foolish enough to invite the wolf into my home.” If the Dorvold family were ever to fall from grace, Erin would be the first to kick them while they were down, the first to come out and shame her. It wasn’t just because of the family ties; more importantly, she was Jason’s wife, and he had always wanted to outdo Jason.
Erin’s eyes grew colder. “So, you’re immune to persuasion and charm?”
Estrella looked up, straightening Erin’s collar with a smirk. “What if I am?” If she showed any weakness to the Lamont family today, it would be like planting mines in her own. backyard. She wasn’t so blind to danger, nor did she have the luxury of excessive compassion.
was
“Estrella, you’re becoming more and more interesting to me.”
Estrella just smiled. “Is that so? But you’re still light years away from Jason.”
She couldn’t allow Erin’s focus to remain solely on her. She needed to divert some of his
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attention to Jason.
When Estrella suggested he was no match for Jason, Erin’s complexion shifted noticeably. The atmosphere tensed, and suddenly the insistent blare of a car horn interrupted the standoff.
Both instinctively turned their heads to look.
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