FULL NOVELXO Chapter 102
Chapter 102
Ryan’s case was a nail-biter, a real David versus Goliath story if there ever was one. Before, similar cases had seen immediate death sentences handed down without batting an eye. So when Estrella managed to snag a stay of execution, it was nothing short of a minor miracle-a glimmer of hope wrestled from the jaws of defeat.
What mattered more was her grit. Against all odds, Estrella clung to her conviction like a mast in a storm. She never stopped pushing the envelope.
“Ms. Estrella, you’re a real inspiration to us all.”
No sooner had Estrella set foot in the law firm than her colleagues started lighting sparklers, a makeshift celebration in her honor
Basking in the glow of their praise, Estrella chuckled, “Flattered beyond words, truly. But the grind never stops, does it?”
“Estrella, you’ve really got some chops.” one of the paralegals chimed in.
Estrella played it cool with a modest laugh, far from feeling like a winner. In the legal game, it wasn’t about winning or losing-it was about presenting the facts and hoping for a fair shake from Lady Justice.
Meanwhile, Kristin was pacing her living room floor, haunted by a conundrum that kept her up all night. Jason keeping Serene close wasn’t doing anybody any favors, and it was putting a damper on his relationship with Estrella. Determined to set things right, Kristin decided to confront Serene.
They sat across from each other in a cozy diner, the air thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes. Serene’s hands were clasped tightly, a bundle of nerves as she tentatively called out, “Ms. Kristin.”
Taking a sip of her peppermint tea, Kristin didn’t beat around the bush. “Serene, I’ll cut to the chase. I want you to quit your job at Nelson International and steer clear of Jason. You’re throwing a wrench in his and Estrella’s life.”
Serene, gripping the edge of the table, met Kristin’s gaze with a mix of fear and resolve. “Ms. Kristin, there’s nothing going on between Jason and me. I’ve never had any intention of undermining his life with Estrella.”
But Kristin was having none of it, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t care about your intentions. I just want you out of Jason’s orbit and off the Nelson International payroll. Is that too much to ask?”
Kristin’s authority was unyielding. Serene, her face flushed red, was at a loss for words. Staring at Kristin for what felt like an eternity, Serene finally said, “Ms. Kristin, Jason’s
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Chapter 102
keeping me around because I remind him of Holly, that’s all. He’s just struggling to let go. If I just up and leave, severing his last ties to her, don’t you think that’s a bit cruel?”
Kristin’s patience was wearing thin. “You’re not Holly, and Jason should’ve moved on by now. Besides, I didn’t even consider that until you brought it up. So, figure out your resignation. I don’t want to see you at the company anymore. If you make me unhappy, our next conversation won’t be so amicable.”
Kristin’s direct approach left no room for negotiation. Serene, barely able to muster a response, pleaded for time. “Ms. Kristin, jobs aren’t easy to come by these days. Please, give me some time to think.”
Seeing that Serene had made her point, Kristin paid the bill and left Serene to ponder her next move. Alone at the table, Serene absentmindedly fingered the pink necklace hidden under her shirt, sighing in frustration.
After leaving the diner, Kristin was still troubled with concern for Jason’s entanglement with Serene. Determined to nip any potential issues in the bud, Kristin had her driver take her straight to Sandalwood Oasis, Kristin was on a mission, old-school as her methods might be, to ensure the young couple’s bond was solidified, perhaps with the pitter-patter of tiny feet.
When Estrella got home at seven that evening, she found her mother-in-law already there, a surprise visit. Estrella greeted her warmly, “Kristin, you’re here.”
Kristin beamed, “Just thought I’d drop by and check on you.”
Handing off Estrella’s purse to the maid, Kristin added, “I made your favorite ribs and simmered a sweet dessert soup for you.”
“Thanks,” Estrella replied, a knot of pressure forming in her stomach. The subtext was clear: Kristin was hankering for grandkids.
As they sat down to dinner, Kristin had just ladled soup into Estrella’s bowl when her phone buzzed. It was Jason.
Kristin glanced at the caller ID, then at Estrella, who had also noticed. With a resigned. sigh, Kristin answered, “Hey, Jason. When will you be back? I’m just here with…”
Before she could finish, Jason cut in, his voice cool and detached, “Mom, did you go see Serene today?”
The dining room fell silent. Kristin looked from her phone to Estrella, who returned her gaze. Kristin hesitated before answering the phone, dreading that Jason would bring up the issue she was hoping to avoid. But sure enough, he did.
After a moment of silence, she figured there was no point in skirting around the topic now that Jason had called. She was firmly on team Estrella, after all. With newfound resolve, Kristin stated boldly, “Yeah, I went to see her. I told her to quit her job at Nelson International and get out of your life.”
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On the other end of the line, Jason’s voice rose in volume. “Mom, can you please not stir the pot?”
His raised voice caused a noticeable change in Kristin’s expression, which in turn, affected Estrella. It seemed he was once again taking Serene’s side. The last time Estrella had offered Serene a check to leave, Jason had thrown it back in her face.
As Estrella sat grim-faced, Kristin was gearing up for a confrontation when Jason, with a hint of exasperation, added, “There was nothing between us in the first place. By confronting her like this, what if you actually spark some rumors? What then?”
Kristin bristled at his words. “If you’re not interested in her, then why keep her in the secretarial pool?”
Jason shot back, “I have over twenty secretaries, most of them women. Why would I have a thing for her specifically? And you-do you even realize your own status? Why did you
do this?”
Kristin had always lived a sheltered life, thanks to her privileged upbringing. Jason’s words actually struck a chord with her, and she began to suspect that her son might not harbor any feelings for Serene. When she looked up at Estrella, Kristin saw her head down, focused on her meal, looking somewhat less upset than before.
Noticing the shift, Kristin cautiously asked, “So, Jason, you’re saying you’re not into Serene?”
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