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Chapter 177
Chapter 177
Before Estrella could utter a word, Jason cut in, “Estrella, don’t even think about divorce.” From the moment he agreed to the marriage, he had never considered ending it.
Estrella, seeing Jason’s refusal to consider separation, stared at him motionless for a long while, then carelessly tossed her breakfast to the side. After that, she just turned her face towards the window and fell silent.
More than ten minutes later, the car stopped at the base of the law firm’s building. Estrella got out and walked away without looking back. Holly had come back from death, and Estrella wondered how long Jason could keep up his act.
Watching Estrella enter the law firm, and just as her silhouette disappeared, Jason’s phone rang it was Holly.
Holly’s voice came through gentle and soft, “Jason, can we meet?”
Twenty minutes later, they met at the café where they had last seen each other. Holly was originally confined to a wheelchair, but seeing Jason approach, she braced her hands on the armrests and stood up, “Jason, how have you been?”
“Miss, be careful,” the servant rushed over to help Holly as she rose.
“I’m fine,” Holly responded with a smile, dismissing the servant’s hand and walking over to
Jason.
Sensing Holly’s rare happiness, the young servant quietly left them to their reunion.
As they approached each other, Holly looked up at Jason with eyes full of mirth. Jason, feeling the intensity of her gaze, quickly looked away and then motioned to a nearby bench, “Take a seat.” Without waiting for her response, he seated himself first.
Holly took her time and sat down beside him, striking up a conversation, “This winter’s been so mild. Ravenwood is always so comfortable. But it looks like a cold snap is coming. I heard it might snow for Christmas.”
“Yeah,” Jason replied briefly, waiting for Holly to continue.
Noting Jason’s typically reserved demeanor, Holly leaned back on the bench and turned to face him, “The Silverbrook project has been green-lit. The Dorvolds won the bid. I just submitted my resignation at the company, and won’t be stepping into the office or dealing with Innovative Solutions Inc. affairs anymore.”
Hearing Holly’s declaration, Jason calmly suggested, “It’s better for you to rest at home. There will be plenty of time for work in the future.”
Jason’s consolation was met with a faint smile from Holly, “I’ve been idle for years now,
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09:41
Chapter 177
feeling useless and unable to do anything. I remember how ambitious I used to be. But fate wasn’t as strong as my will. I can’t have a job of my own like Estrella or Serene, and I can’t live life to the fullest.”
She suddenly became melancholic, “I never expected Estrella to hate me so much that she would even…”
Noticing a shift in Jason’s expression, Holly quickly masked her sadness with a forced smile before changing the subject, “Jason, I didn’t join Innovative Solutions Inc. to compete with the Dorvold family. I just wanted a simple job. The board gave me the Silverbrook project because they were aware of our situation and wanted to trouble me. I never wanted a high position, just a regular job.”
As she spoke, Jason simply said, “Rest is what you need most right now.” Jason understood the subtext of Holly’s words, but he chose not to engage. If he were to place Holly within Nelson International, things with Estrella would likely become untenable. Besides, Holly’s health truly wasn’t up to the demands of the workplace.
“I get it, but everyone has their rebellious moments.” Holly chuckled and added, “But I’ve found a spot. I’m planning to open a café and bookshop, something like this place. I’m not expecting it to be profitable, but just to add some fun to my days.”
Jason nodded, “That sounds more suitable for you.”
After saying that, Jason stood up from the bench, “Estrella doesn’t hate you, it’s
because…”
Before he could finish, Holly stood up and cut him off, “I understand, Jason. She’s your wife now, and I won’t share what you don’t want others to know.”
Hands in his pockets, Jason paused for a moment then said, “Thank you.”
Holly gave a bittersweet smile; the garden was vibrant with blooming flowers. She gazed at Jason intently for a long while, then stepped forward and rested her cheek gently against his chest, “I just feel so unresolved and heartbroken.”
Jason held his breath for a moment before gently pushing her away, “I have another meeting. I need to get back to the office.”
“Sure,” Holly responded, letting him go.
It was a while after Jason had disappeared that Holly’s gaze finally shifted back. The servant approached Holly, offering support, “Miss, he’s long gone.”
Holly sighed as she watched the distance, “If only I hadn’t been injured and was healthy.”
“Miss, you’ll regain your health after some more rest,” the servant reassured her.
Holly managed a pained smile, “But what good is health when Jason is no longer mine?”
The servant remained silent.
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Meanwhile, at the law firm.
Estrella had just left Logan’s office when her phone’s Messenger pinged incessantly. Bryce had sent a barrage of photos.
Estrella sat down and flicked through Bryce’s images: Jason and Holly sitting together on the bench, basking in the sun, Holly’s face buried in Jason’s chest.
Surrounded by vibrant flowers, they looked like a painting.
Cycling through the photos, Estrella could only offer a wry smile. She had just been pressured to go to the hospital for a check-up, and now he was already off to comfort Holly. He really was busy.
Staring at the photograph of Holly nestled against Jason’s chest, Estrella’s expression suddenly darkened a touch. Holly was in poor health, and if Jason was stalling the divorce, could he be planning to take advantage…
The thought made her grip on her smartphone tighten noticeably. It seemed they both had their own ulterior motives.
She had made a trip to the local hospital that day, and she wondered just how long this secret could be kept under wraps.
“Estrella, why don’t you pack up? We should head out to the symposium together,” Logan called out, interrupting her brooding thoughts.
“Sure thing,” Estrella replied, stashing her phone and agreeing to Logan’s plan as she shut down her computer and stood up to get her things together.
At the moment, she was only handling a divorce case where the client’s main goal was to stall for time and avoid the split, so Estrella wasn’t too swamped. Plus, with the
Silverbrook deal clinched, she felt at ease joining Logan and the others for a bit of scholarly enrichment.
She had barely pulled out of the law firm’s parking lot in her car when Bryce’s call came through. “Estrella, did you get the photos I sent you?”
Estrella gripped the steering wheel with both hands. “I saw them.”
Bryce, knowing she had seen the photos, threw a curveball. “You still planning on taking this lying down? You intent on being…”