Chapter 181

Chapter 181 Hearing Estrella’s question, Bryce turned around leisurely and smiled, “So you thought that if you and Jesse kept mum, I’d be clueless?”

At Bryce’s words, Estrella’s smile faltered. No wonder Bryce bought so many sour snacks this time. No wonder he insisted on joining her business trip when dropping her off at the airport. It made sense why he showed up in Harmony Springs almost immediately after she did, and why he insisted on a 24-hour vigil and claimed the couch for his bed.

He knew everything.

Bryce had a faint smile on his lips and took his right hand out of his pocket to ruffle Estrella’s hair. “Don’t worry, I won’t breathe a word to anyone, especially not Jason. But hey, if you ever need anything, just give me a buzz. I’ll be there faster than pizza delivery.”

Bryce was all seriousness now, a far cry from the usual carefree, rough-around-the-edges guy she knew. He was like this only on the rare when Estrella was feeling down, taking on the role of her steadfast protector. Back when she and Jason had gotten their marriage license, Bryce had been just as earnest, assuring her she’d regret it.

Estrella managed a weak smile, patting Bryce on the shoulder. “Thanks, Bryce. You’re a gem.”

Bryce pinched her cheek lightly. “It’s chilly out, get inside. And whatever Jason says, don’t take it to heart. Men aren’t worth your peace.

Estrella chuckled. “I know.”

“Head in then,” Bryce nudged.

“Alright.” With a nod to Bryce, Estrella turned and stepped into the foyer. Bryce watche and then strode off toward the yard with a casual wave goodbye.

her go Watching Bryce’s departure, a warm feeling spread through Estrella. For all his bluster, Bryce was far more attentive than Jason, full of ambition and capability, just waiting for his moment to shine.

As Estrella stood in the foyer, Marie walked over and followed her gaze outside, saying, “Mr. Bryce is too polite,” she commented. “Wouldn’t even stay for dinner after bringing you home.”

“He’s been running around with me for days. He needs his rest,” Estrella replied.

Marie beamed. “Well, it’s good you’re back, Ms Estrella. The house has been like a ship without its captain with you gone. Mr.

Jason’s been downright lost.”

Estrella didn’t respond, her eyes still fixed on the yard.

Bryce climbed into his Maybach and gave Estrella a wave from the 1/3 passenger window.

09:02 Chapter 181 “Get inside.”

“I know. Go on,” Estrella called back.

Only when the car disappeared from sight did Estrella turn back into the house. Marie, walking beside her, couldn’t help but feel that Estrella’s relationship with Bryce had become even better after this business trip. Marie mused about Jason’s absence at the airport, fearing that if he continued to neglect Estrella, Estrella might just be swept off her feet by someone else-someone like Bryce.

...

Inside the Maybach, Bryce dialed a number the moment they left the driveway. “Where’s Jason now?”

The response was swift, but Bryce’s face darkened with every word. He ended the call abruptly. He chose not to confide in Estrella this time. With her pregnancy, he couldn’t bear to add to her disappointments, even though she claimed to be alright.

Choosing to marry Jason had been unwise from the start.

Gripping the steering wheel with both hands, the driver sneakily glanced at Bryce through the rearview mirror. Noticing Bryce’s gloomy expression, the driver decided it was best not to say anything. Bryce might seem carefree, but he was sharp. When he put his mind to it, he could easily rival Jason.

*

解 Back at the house, Estrella’s phone rang as soon as she stepped inside. It was Jason. Shé stared at the screen for a moment before answering.

“You’re home?” Jason’s voice was soft but strained.

“Yeah.” Estrella replied, her voice flat.

“I had to deal with something last minute, so I sent Drew to pick you up. Stay home. I’ll back once I’m done,” Jason explained, his worry evident.

“Okay.” Estrella’s tone was calm, her resolve to divorce unshaken by his calls and messages. Now, she didn’t even care to ask what kept him so occupied. His affairs were of no interest to her.

Relieved by her agreement, Jason advised her to dress warmly and stay indoors, but Estrella abruptly ended the call. If only Jason could be as attentive and organized as Bryce, she might be inclined to listen to his advice and respond with warmth.

She dismissed the thought. After all, she’d managed just fine without his ‘concerns’ over the years.

Hanging up, Estrella’s thoughts drifted to an old argument with Jason. She had claimed that marrying anyone would be better than marrying him. It was said in anger then, but reflecting on it now, it seemed true. Even Bryce cared more for her than Jason did.

2/3 09:02 Chapter 181 Setting her phone aside, Estrella gently touched her belly, only to retract her hand hastily as Marie approached with a fruit platter.

“You must be exhausted after the flight, Ms. Estrella. Have some fruit.”

T Estrella took the platter with a nonchalant smile, as Marie continued, “With so many people depending on him at the company, Mr. Jason sure has his hands full.” Marie had been with the Nelson family since Jason was a boy, almost raising him herself, which made her fiercely protective of him.

Estrella smiled, letting the conversation drift.

Marie lingered with Estrella for a while before bustling back to the kitchen to continue her chores. Estrella, meanwhile, settled in with a fruit platter in front of the TV, too lazy to even head upstairs to the bedroom. It was as if her return to Sandalwood Oasis was as a guest, not the lady of the house.

In the hospital’s emergency staircase, Jason’s previously calm brow furrowed deeply as Estrella hung up the phone without so much as a word. Damn, she was really starting to take him for granted.

With his hands buried in his pockets, he lingered in the stairwell for a spell before turning back to the ward.

By the bedside, Catrina looked up as Jason approached, and with a helpless tone, she said, “Jason, sorry to bother you.” Then she added, “It’s just that Holly only just got back and she’s already struggling. I didn’t expect the change in weather to hit her so hard.”

The fire from years ago had damaged Holly’s respiratory system, and whenever the weather turned extremely hot or cold, her body couldn’t cope and she’d end up in the hospital needing oxygen.

Jason, hands still in his pockets, responded with a detached voice, “Holly will be fine.”

Catrina sighed, “I wouldn’t have called you if the kid hadn’t been calling out for you. I know you’re busy, especially with the year coming to a close.”

Jason replied, “I figured I should swing by.”

In that fire years ago, if Holly hadn’t handed him her gas mask, it would likely be him plagued with the failing health today.