Novel Update
Chapter 295
Estrella’s reminder drew a pained smile from Serene as she looked at her and said, “Yeah, you’ve never been involved, or interfered, because you never saw me as a rival.” Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
At this, Serene suddenly burst into tears, “But what should I do now? What can I do? You have Jason looking out for you. Holly is cherished by family, and protected by parents and a brother. But I have nothing. I can’t even have children of my own. Why did I have to be so foolish? Why did I get so emotionally involved and save them? And that fire, what was that all about?”
As Serene wept uncontrollably, Estrella sighed and handed her a tissue, her voice steady and calm, “Even though you can’t have children yourself, with today’s advanced medicine, you can still be a mom. Jason and Holly won’t abandon you.”
“As for that fire, believe it or not, I genuinely don’t remember that period. I only found out the truth after our agreement, from Jason. I didn’t tell you right away because I’m still trying to make sense of it.” She paused before continuing, “Once I figure it out, I’ll explain everything to you.”
Estrella’s composure only made Serene smile bitterly as she said, “Estrella, Jason really loves you.”
When Serene was his secretary, she’d fantasized, however briefly, about a spark of hope, about love blossoming over time. But now, knowing that Jason was aware it was Estrella who had started that fire and still chose to marry her, and to be with her, Serene realized just how wide the gap was between her and Estrella in his heart. Strictly speaking, Serene never caught Jason’s eye. In their eyes, she was nothing more than a court jester.
Estrella said with reason, “Don’t worry, Serene. I’ll get to the bottom of this, not just because you want the answers, but for my own vindication.”
Serene stared directly at Estrella, her sadness subsiding, “Okay, I believe you.”
Then she added, “I know Holly only gave me these proofs to use me against you, and to stir up drama.”
After her emotional outburst and witnessing Estrella’s rational demeanor, Serene began to regain her composure.
Standing up from the couch, Serene looked at Estrella seriously, “I don’t want to be anyone’s pawn anymore. So Estrella, you have to find out the truth.”
On her way over, Serene had felt something was off. Estrella was straightforward. She was not one to shirk responsibility for her actions.
Serene didn’t have the ability to unravel the mystery herself, so she would let those capable take charge. Holly could forget about using her as a pawn any longer.
00.10
Between Holly and Estrella, Serene admired Estrella more, even though Holly had given Serene an apartment. At least Estrella had never used her..
After Sérene left, Estrella massaged her temples, feeling drained. Serene was smart, and so was Holly, but when clever minds collided, things got complicated.
That evening, when Jason came to pick up Estrella from work, she was still feeling down, weighed by various intricate issues.
As soon as she got into the car, Jason noticed her mood. Leaning over to buckle her seatbelt and giving her a quick kiss, Jason asked, “Trouble at work?”
Jason remembered back when they were still in school, Estrella used to tell him everything and discuss any issues with him. Jason missed the bond they had shared during those times.
Estrella said, “Holly handed all that evidence to Serene, who came looking for me this morning. It’s giving me a headache.”
Jason’s expression darkened at the mention of Holly and Serene. After starting the car, he said with a cold chuckle, “Using Serene to uncover this mess, trying to pit her against you. Holly sure knows how to play her games.”
They both knew Holly’s intent: to sow discord.
At Jason’s cold laugh, Estrella replied, “Thankfully, Serene isn’t blinded by emotion. She calmed down after her initial outburst.”‘
As the car pulled away from the law firm, Jason said casually, “Serene’s no fool. She won’t be manipulated like that. If forced to choose between you and Holly, Serene would trust you.”
Then he added softly, “She just gets too caught up in her own head. If she were a little more rational, she could’ve had a happy family life by now.”
At this, Estrella chuckled, “As if you didn’t lead her on. Would she have had hope if it wasn’t for you? Now you’re acting all innocent.”
Jason said, “At the time, I was upfront with her, I was merely using her to get your attention. Drew even tried introducing her to potential partners, but I couldn’t force her if she wasn’t willing.”
Estrella, eyeing him sharply, countered: “Then why were you so intent on forcing me to be with you?”
Jason gripped her hand gently, kneading it, “We’re family. We don’t keep score like that.”
Estrella laughed, exasperated, “You’re something else.” After a sigh, she vented, “Holly is the real challenge.”
Jason replied simply, “Ignore her.”
09:49
Estrella countered, “Ignoring her won’t make our lives any easier.” Then, looking at Jason, she asked, “Do you think Holly had something to do with that fire?”
If she had died, no one would have suspected her, but not only did she survive, she stirred up trouble, making it hard for Estrella not to suspect her of playing a dangerous game.
At Estrella’s suspicion, Jason squeezed her hand, “I’m already investigating her.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m telling you now.”
Estrella had been too busy, too exhausted to keep her eyes open, and Jason didn’t want her to be overly affected, and overwork herself
After Jason finished speaking, Estrella’s phone buzzed again with a call from the client. She wrapped up the call just as they arrived home. With the year-end festivities in full swing, and Isaac having the day off from his preschool classes, Autumn decided to take her grandson out for some fun.
Even though Estrella was a single mother, it didn’t affect Autumn’s showing off of her grandson in the slightest.
It was around nine-thirty when Estrella emerged from the shower. As she stepped out of the bathroom, Jason swept her up in an embrace from behind. Estrella glanced back at him, only for her attention to be diverted by the ring of her phone once more.
Expecting another call from the client, she picked it up to find Kristin’s name on the screen. Turning to Jason, she said in a half-joking tone, “Knock it off, it’s your mom calling.”
With that, she answered the phone, her face breaking into a smile as she greeted, “Hi.”
Jason couldn’t help but chuckle and playfully nibbled her ear, a gesture both affectionate and flirtatious.