Chapter 176

Chapter 176 Estrella sighed, her voice edged with impatiende, “I’m not pregnant.”

And she thought to herself. “Even if I was, it wouldn’t be yours.”

Jason, ever the calm in the storm, said gently, “Let’s get you checked out, and we’ll know for sure.” He added, “I haven’t been with any other woman, and I won’t be. Just do as I say and get checked. If it turns out you are pregnant, there are things we’ll need to focus on.” The more Estrella denied it, the more Jason was convinced she was indeed expecting. “You have your life, and I have mine,” she remarked nonchalantly.

Seeing that she was still miffed, Jason tried to soothe her, “I promise, no more Holly. I won’t have anything to do with her.”

Estrella’s alarm bells went off. Why was he making promises she hadn’t asked for? All he needed to do was finalize the divorce.

She raised her hand to stop him, “Hold up, don’t try to butter me up with sweet nothings. You can’t even sort out your issues with Serene, and you’re here talking about Holly?”

Before Jason could respond, Estrella unbuckled her seatbelt, “So, if the test is negative, you’ll come with me to file the papers?”

“Let’s get the test done first,” Jason replied.

As Estrella stepped out of the car, she stumbled slightly but Jason, with his quick reflexes, caught her arm and steadied her.

After straightening her clothes, Estrella glanced at him and continued walking with her back straight.

Jason followed, chuckling, “Feeling guilty?”

“Just go up and check,” she retorted.

Jason couldn’t help but wrap his arm around her, just like old times. Estrella elbowed him hard, causing him to wince, “Are you out of your mind? If you damage my penis, you’re the one who loses.”

“I’m about to move on, what do I have to lose?” Estrella quipped back, as Jason pulled her in closer.

Upon reaching the maternity ward, Estrella was ushered to see the deputy director for her tests.

While Estrella took a call on the hospital’s balcony, Jason watched her from the hallway, a smile playing on his lips. She had grown up so fast, ready to take on the world, maybe even motherhood.

The fire hadn’t claimed Holly, easing Jason’s guilt but increasing his worries, which had led him to seek out Cole.

1/3 09:15 Vhen Estrella returned, Dr. Lee had her results, “Mr. Jason, Ms. Estrella’s tests lason, who had chosen Dr. Lee based on his connections to the Nelson family, trusted he results would be reliable.

n the office, Jason gently pushed Estrella into a chair before Dr. Lee broke the news, She’s not pregnant, but she’s healthy. No need to rush; you’re both young.”

Jason’s heart sank. “Dr. Lee, could there be a mistake?” he asked. Estrella was fertile, and hey hadn’t been careful. How could she not be pregnant?

Dr. Lee assured them the tests were accurate, suggesting a second opinion if needed.

Jason thanked him, his disappointment palpable, and Estrella rose to leave with him.

Exiting the hospital, Jason was visibly upset, and Estrella thought it was a good thing that she hadn’t told him about the pregnancy. She wasn’t about to let him have that control over her.

Jason thought he had ties to the hospital. Well she could do that too.

In the car, Jason stared at Estrella, his gaze heavy with unspoken questions. “What, happy you’re not pregnant?” he asked abruptly.

“More or less,” Estrella replied, then teased, “You know, with my fertile nature, if I’m not pregnant, you might want to...”

His cold look cut her off, and she silenced herself as he started the car. His health was not an issue, and he had been thoroughly checked recently.

Estrella’s work phone rang again, and after a brief conversation, Jason pulled up to a diner known for its brunches. He stepped out and returned with bags of breakfast.

“Thanks,” Estrella said, taking the food and wrapping up her call.

Just then, Jason’s phone buzzed. Drew reported, “Mr. Jason, the Dorvolds won the big the New District of Silverbrook project.”

Holding the steering wheel with one hand and his phone with the other, Jason glanced Estrella, acknowledging the news.

Estrella’s phone rang immediately after, a call from Cole. “Hi Dad.”

“Estrella, the Silverbrook project just got the green light.”

“As long as we’ve secured the project, that’s all that matters. We’ll keep a close eye on the construction.”

“Estrella, consider coming back to the company,” Cole suggested.

Before Estrella stepped in, Cole wasn’t entirely confident about the project. But when Estrella mentioned she’d keep an eye on it, Cole suddenly felt as if he had support at his 213 09:15 Chapter 176 back. His daughter, despite her tender years, had a knack for handling things with a inesse that belied her age. Often, her vision was just out of step with the rest.

When Cole brought up the idea of her returning to the family company, Estrella couldn’t help but laugh it off, “Dad, let’s talk about that later, I’ve got to get back to the office now.” With those words, she hung up the phone.

Turning to Jason with a playful smile, she apologized, “Sorry, looks like your duties were a bust.”

After her quip, Estrella noticed that Jason was taking a wrong turn and reminded him, ‘This isn’t the way to city hall.”

Jason cast her a sidelong glance, his voice nonchalant, “Didn’t you just say you needed to get back to the office?”

For Jason, Dorvold Group’s acquisition of the Silverbrook project was all within expectations, especially since Estrella had caused a scene with him that day and he’d stepped back from the whole affair.