Chapter 169

Chapter 169 Some days ago, Cole had already heard that the Silverbrook New District project was being spearheaded by Holly, marking her first foray into the company’s initiatives.

The thought of Jason’s past entanglement with Holly, coupled with her remarkable comeback, naturally sent a shiver down Cole’s spine.

What exactly was the deal between Jason and her, and what was their status now? Cole tried not to care about that, but he disliked when personal emotions got entangled with professional matters. It was just like how, over the past few years, despite Estrella’s marriage to Jason, their respective families’ businesses had kept their emotions at bay, avoiding any overlap.

But with Jason knocking on his door, Cole found himself in a tight spot, and he simply looked at Jason, asking, “So, what are you getting at, Jason?”

After Cole’s prompt, Jason cut to the chase. “I’m hoping you could pass on this project to Innovative Solutions Inc..”

Though Jason didn’t mention Holly, Cole knew exactly what he meant. After a long stare at Jason, Cole finally spoke, “And what if I don’t want to give up on this project, Jason?”

At this moment, for Cole, it wasn’t the project that mattered most. It was Estrella-how his daughter would feel weighed heavily on his mind.

As Cole’s words settled, Jason didn’t beat around the bush, admitting, “Cole, the Silverbrook project is Holly’s first project after she got into the company.”

Hearing this, Cole fell silent. Jason knew he had to lend a hand to Holly in her first prost back, but had he considered Estrella’s feelings?

Cole stared at Jason for a long while, slowly exhaling before conceding, “I won’t ma difficult for you.”

Jason had made the effort to come to him, and Cole felt compelled to agree, fearing the a refusal could lead to a fallout Estrella might struggle with. Thus, Cole chose to keep the peace.

Jason expressed his gratitude, “Thank you.”

But Jason’s thanks did nothing to alleviate the furrow between Cole’s brows. After a heavy silence, he asked, “What are your plans with Estrella then?”

If it weren’t for that Ledford girl pulling that stunt back in the day, Jason probably would never have ended up with Estrella. Now that the Ledford girl was back, Cole suspected Jason couldn’t contain himself any longer. Moreover, Jason’s relationship with Estrella had always been rocky.

The thought of his daughter turning a blind eye to the situation and accommodating 1/3 14:37 Chapter 169 Jason all these years, only to end up like this, made Cole’s heart twist in agony. Estrella might appear carefree, but she was fiercely proud. If he had known it would come to this, he would never have agreed to the match, even if Landon was...

With that thought, Cole’s demeanor darkened even more.

Jason, however, assured him, “Dad, I have never considered parting ways with Estrella. I plan to make things right with her.”

At Jason’s words, Cole was somewhat bemused. “Do you think you can keep things ambiguous with the Ledford girl, ask me to drop a project, and expect Estrella not to consider divorce? Is this your idea of making things right?”

Jason, hands in his pockets and brows slightly furrowed, replied, “I’ll explain things to Estrella.”

“Explain? How can you explain this? What could you possibly say?” Cole’s frustration grew, but he didn’t want to argue with Jason anymore. Waving his hand dismissively, Cole said, “Never mind, just leave. I’ll step aside this time on the project, but don’t expect a second time.” This was a one-time allowance for his son-in-law, to sort out his past with Holly, but it would never happen again.

Sensing Cole’s displeasure, Jason bid farewell and left.

In the elevator, Jason’s hands were in his pockets, and his forehead remained furrowed.

In Cole’s office, even though Jason had left, Cole’s complexion and mood hadn’t eased. He had mentally prepared for the worst.

In the past, whenever Estrella talked about getting a divorce, Cole and Autumn had always talked about reconciliation. But this time, if his daughter harbored such thoughts, Cole wouldn’t keep her again.

One can bear the pain for a while, not for a lifetime. His daughter didn’t deserve to e such distress.

Engulfed in gloom, Cole had no appetite for lunch.

At a little past three in the afternoon, Cole had just returned from a brief meeting in the conference room when Estrella knocked on his office door. “Dad.”

Startled, Cole asked, “What brings you here, sweetheart?” Hopefully, she hadn’t heard about the Innovative Solutions Inc. deal yet. It seemed too soon, and Jason wouldn’t have broached the topic during daylight hours.

Estrella, beaming, entered his office, “I’m here to renew a legal contract, and I thought I’d check on you.”

“Just checking in?” Cole feigned annoyance at the offhand remark.

Estrella approached and perched on the armrest of Cole’s chair, “You’re nitpicking now? How about this-I’ll come home tomorrow and join you and Mom for dinner. Is that better?”

2/3 14:37 Chapter 169 Cole lifted his right hand and patted Estrella’s hand, yet his furrowed brow remained. Estrella wrapped her arms around his neck and asked, “Dad, what’s wrong? You seem upset and preoccupied.”

“It’s nothing,” Cole replied, though his expression suggested otherwise.

Cole had been uneasy before seeing Estrella, and now, with her right in front of him, his spirits failed to lift, regretting his past decisions. Even without the Nelson family, he could have ensured a carefree life for her. Why had he agreed to this match?

Estrella studied Cole’s furrowed brow, the lines of worry etched deep like an untold story. “It’s all over your face,” she said gently, her voice tinged with concern. “And it seems even my visit can’t lift your spirits. This must be about me, isn’t it?”

Cole had always been like that. No matter how tough things got on the outside, the sight of her and Autumn would wash away the gloom. Estrella was the beacon of his joy, the antidote to his every sorrow. Yet now, as she stood before him, Cole couldn’t muster a smile. That alone told her the issue was indeed tied to her.

Estrella’s hunch hung in the air as Cole mulled over his thoughts. Finally, he turned to face her, his voice weighed down by the gravity of his news. “Estrella, Jason came to see me this morning.”

At the mention of Jason, Estrella’s playfulness vanished. Her eyes locked onto Cole’s, silently urging him to continue.

With her earnest gaze anchored on him, Cole let out a weary sigh, and said, “Jason wants me to hand over the Silverbrook New District project to Innovative Solutions Inc.. It’s the first time he’s ever approached me about work stuff, so I agreed to it.”

As Cole finished, the crease between his eyebrows deepened.