Chatper 121

Chapter 121 Kristin was fuming, and her blood was boiling at the thought of Erin’s audacious words earlier. If it hadn’t been for the respect she had for the two old gentlemen, she would have torn off Erin’s smug mask right then and there.

As soon as Kristin voiced her anger, Estrella knew she had seen Erin corner her in the restroom.

Keith furrowed his brow as he listened to Kristin’s account. “This is news to me,” he muttered with concern.

Turning to Estrella, Kristin insisted, “If you don’t believe me, ask Estrella. Didn’t Erin stop her in the restroom? Didn’t he say those things to her?” That guy has a heart of stone. Who knows if he was behind the exposure of Hunter’s illegitimate child using Estrella. And I’ve heard he’s been ruthless to the mistress. Poor Hunter can’t even show his face at the office; Erin’s made his life a living hell,” Kristin added with a disgusted shake of her head.

Estrella chimed in, supporting her mother-in-law, “Grandpa, Erin’s ambitions are indeed dangerous. Kristinm’s not lying.”

Faced with the testimonies of both Kristin and Estrella, Keith gripped his cane tighter. His brow creased in silence.

He pondered the possibility that by helping the Lamont family, he might have helped a future enemy. If Erin ever grew more powerful, he would surely clash with Jason.

Keith sank into a thoughtful silence, which was broken by Jason stepping forward. His hands were casually tucked into his jeans.

“Grandpa, don’t worry about it. Whether it’s work or Estrella, Erin doesn’t stand a chance.”

Jason’s reassurance eased Keith’s mind, and he finally said, “Jason, you’ve always been sensible and measured. My philosophy is simple: live and let live unless they cross you first.”

“Understood, Grandpa,” Jason replied with a nod.

–

After a brief chat, Jason and Estrella prepared to leave. Kristin came out to see them off. Her mood was visibly lighter.

In the yard, Jason took Estrella’s hand and glanced back at Kristin. “Mom, what did Estrella say to Erin earlier?”

“She said that Erin doesn’t compare to you,” Kristin confessed with a hint of pride in her voice.

–

At that, Jason laughed a genuine, hearty laugh that filled the evening air. He then wrapped an arm around Estrella. His fingers playfully tweaked her earlobe as he teased, 1/3 08:42 “Good taste.”

“I’m not sure about taste, but at least I’m not dumb,” Estrella shot back with a smile.

Kristin, intuitively aware that the couple’s relationship had significantly improved, was thrilled upon hearing their plans of starting a family. Her heart overflowed with joy at the prospect of becoming a grandmother. After imparting a few more pieces of wisdom, she bade them goodbye. As their car disappeared into the distance, her heart brimmed with dreams of cuddling her future grandchildren.

As the car pulled away, Jason turned to Estrella with a wry smile. “Erin’s got some nerve.” It seemed that their last confrontation, where Erin’s arm ended up broken, had been too lenient.

Estrella fanned the flames, “He sure does, even daring to go after your wife.”

Jason warned her with mock severity, “Estrella, let me make one thing clear. If you ever think about straying, I’ll bury you.”

“Same goes for you,” Estrella retorted, playfully challenging him to keep himself in check as well.

Back at home, they had barely stepped through the door when Autumn greeted them with open arms and a warm smile.

“Estrella, Jason, you’re back!”

Estrella, slipping off her shoes, asked with a hint of suspicion, “Mom, what brings you here?”

“I came to see you and Jason, of course!” Autumn said as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Estrella, now facing her mother, sensed there was more to the visit than a simple check-in Jason greeted Autumn as well.

—

“Ah!” Autumn responded with surprise, pleased to find Jason at home – something that was a rarity during her visits. It confirmed what Kristin had said about the couple’s improved relationship.

As Jason excused himself to take a work call from Grayson, Autumn seized the opportunity to grill Estrella. “Estrella, how have things been going with Jason? Any news on the baby?”

“It’s not that simple,” Estrella replied with a roll of her eyes, knowing well that her mother was here on a mission to talk about grandchildren.

After reassuring her mother that things were under control, Estrella received a bundle of health supplements from Autumn, which she promised to use.

Once Autumn was satisfied, she made to leave. Her motherly duties were fulfilled for the 212 08:42 day. Jason returned from his call and suggested she stay for dinner, but Autumn had other plans and soon departed, leaving the couple to their evening.

Jason and Estrella stood side by side on the porch, waving as Autumn’s car disappeared down the suburban street. Jason, with his hands buried deep in his pockets, shot Estrella a glance and quipped, “Your mom’s still holding me at arm’s length, huh?”

Estrella’s gaze drifted away as she crossed her arms and headed back inside. “Well, aren’t you the model son-in-law!”

Before they got hitched, Jason had been a regular visitor at the Dorvold residence. But after the wedding, his visits could be counted on one hand. It was no wonder Autumn felt distant.

Following Estrella into the house, Jason recalled her conversation with Erin earlier that evening. She had said Erin couldn’t compare to him. Quickening his pace, he swept Estrella off her feet in one smooth motion.

Startled, Estrella instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. “What’s the big idea? Lost your sense of time and place?”

Jason, with a smirk, retorted, “When your mom’s dropping by to nudge us about grandkids, what else is there to do?”

He didn’t need to hear their mother-daughter chat to guess Autumn’s visit was about encouraging the next generation.

Estrella chuckled. Her hands were still around his neck. “You’re getting along with your mother-in-law. That’s progress.”

Their marriage was now rock solid, and Estrella’s thoughts were already turning towards children. She didn’t want to prove Autumn right about wasting three years and ending up with the label of a twice-married woman.

“I haven’t showered,” Estrella pointed out, with a playful tone in her voice.

Jason grinned mischievously. “To the bathroom, then. Let’s head to the bathroom.”