Novel Square
Chapter 58
The car door swung open, and Korey’s secretary stepped out, extending a greeting to Ms. Estrella.
The subtle smile on Erin’s lips carried a significant meaning.
“Blake,” Estrella greeted nonchalantly, as if it were any ordinary day.
I
Blake smiled and said to Estrella, “Ms. Estrella, can’t thank you enough for helping those construction guys get their overdue pay. Korey would like to take you out for a meal, to express his gratitude in person.”
“Sure thing.” Estrella agreed promptly, then turned to Erin. “Mr. Lamont, I’ll take my leave
now.”
Erin responded with a chuckle, “Seems like Jason’s got some stiff competition.”
Unruffled by Erin’s taunting, Estrella took a couple of steps forward, leaned in slightly, and whispered in a low voice, “So, Erin, you’re not in my league.”
Erin’s gaze hardened, his eyes taking on a chill as they followed Estrella.
Estrella, however, simply smiled nonchalantly, casually straightened Erin’s collar, and -walked away.
Blake held open the back door of the car for her, and as Estrella slid inside, Korey caught Erin’s eye and nodded casually at him. Erin’s expression darkened as he watched the car drive away. He was all too aware that in Ravenwood, where the talented were many, his journey to the top was still long.
The engine of the luxury car hummed to life as Korey spoke with a warm cordiality. “Estrella, I really appreciate what you did last time. I’ve been meaning to take you out for dinner but got tied up with meetings out of town.”
Estrella offered a polite smile. “You’re being too formal, Korey.”
Their conversation flowed as the driver steered the vehicle toward a private bistro. Estrella wasn’t keen on attending Korey’s dinner invitation, but since he had come all the way to the law firm, and with Erin present that day, she felt compelled to accept.
Meanwhile, at Sandalwood Oasis.
Upon returning, Jason, noticing Estrella’s absence, sent Drew to track her whereabouts. Soon after, Drew reported back, “Sir, Mr. Erin sought out Ms. Estrella this evening.”
Jason’s face clouded over with a mix of emotions. “Where is she now?”
On the other end, Drew cautiously continued, “Mr. Korey also approached Ms. Estrella
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today. She’s currently and I presume…”
I
a spring
Before Drew could finish, the bedroom door burst open. Estrella’s voice, fresh as breeze, filled the room, “You’re back already? Weren’t you just giving me lip service? What’s this, a change of heart?”
As Estrella entered, Jason tossed his phone aside with a flick of his wrist. She glanced at him, shrugged off her coat, and hung it on the tack.
Jason, hands in his pockets, watched her with a frosty demeanor. “Where’ve you been?” Estrella, feeling the weariness in her neck, replied, “Just had dinner with a friend.” Jason’s arm snaked around Estrella’s waist, pulling her close. “What friend? Care to say the name?”
Estrella, half-amused, half-bewildered, asked, “Jealous?”
Her playful smirk did little to appease Jason. Holding her chin, he said firmly, “Estrella, if the Dorvold family intends to establish a stable presence in Ravenwood, I’m sure you know what you should and shouldn’t do, and who to keep at arm’s length.”
Estrella’s smile faded as she met his gaze squarely. “Are you threatening me, Jason?” She hated threats, and what right did Jason have to make them?
Before her smile completely disappeared, Estrella brushed his hand away, asking calmly, “So, Jason, you really think I can’t stand up to you?”
The tone of the conversation had shifted, and Estrella knew she couldn’t take his words
lightly.
“Are you declaring war, Estrella?” Jason’s tone was sharp.
Estrella, not in the mood for a fight, grabbed her pajamas from the closet and said evenly, “Nobody’s declaring war. Just a reminder: my parents and the Dorvold Group are my lines in the sand. Don’t cross them.”
With that, she headed for the bathroom, but Jason caught her arm and pulled her back. into his embrace. Estrella, fed up, lost her usual composure and snapped, “Enough, Jason! You keep Serene close to you, and you expect me to make a scene every day? Should I just give up on my work and life?”
Her outburst only fueled Jason’s anger further. “Every time you meet with Korey, you pick a fight with me. It seems your heart has already wandered.”
Estrella was exasperated. “Yes, my heart has flown away. Now what? What do you want to do about it?”
Their quarrels seemed endless, and she wished he would just stay away. Exhausted from her hectic life, she had no energy left for his tantrums.
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At her words, Jason turned away, hands still pocketed, and fell silent. After a moment of silence, he turned around and looked at Estrella coldly, saying, “Estrella, do you think you are the victim in this?”
Her brows furrowed. “Are you saying you are? you have something to say, Jason, just say it. There’s no need to beat around the bush. I’m not someone who shies away from responsibility or confrontation.”
His response was to light a cigarette and walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. As smoke filled the room, Jason faced Estrella again. “It sounds like you’re waiting for me to speak up.”
“Don’t bother,” Estrella replied, too weary to argue. “It’s clear enough what you want. I’m just the one who’s too stubborn to see it, right?”
Before she could finish, Jason cut her off. “What have I made clear?”
Their domestic battlefield was set, with neither side willing to yield.
want to
Estrella’s voice was a mixture of frustration and resignation. “Jason, if you really tally up our accounts, let’s settle them today. We’ve been married for over two years, and you haven’t even thrown me a wedding reception. You’ve never bought me anything, and don’t even have a wedding ring to speak of.”
She took a deep breath, her chest heaving slightly as she prepared to unload more grievances that had been simmering beneath the surface. “And then there’s Serene. You keep her by your side as if she’s at your beck and call, ready to come and go with a snap of your fingers. You take her to all sorts of events, big and small. It’s always her, isn’t it?”
Her voice cracked, a blend of anger and hurt, as she delivered the question that had been haunting her. “Tell me, Jason, between her and me, who is really your wife?”
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