Chapter 196

Chapter 196 Cradling Isaac in her arms, Estrella paused as she listened to Autumn’s words. After a moment, she said, “He’ll be leaving soon.”

Then Estrella returned to teaching Isaac letters. “Sweetheart, how do we read these two words?”

Autumn watched the mother and son for a while before getting back to her own business. Outside in the yard, Jason had no idea how long he’d been watching from afar, but as the darkness deepened, he started up his car and headed back to the office.

The image of Estrella tumbling in the yard weighed heavily on his mind. He knew she was blaming him for something.

At his desk, Jason could only immerse himself in work to escape the troubles of life. After signing off on the financial documents that had been left for him, he was about to call it a day when his office door burst open.

Looking up, he saw Serene walk in. “Jason, still burning the midnight oil, huh?”

“Yeah. Haven’t you headed out yet?” Jason realized it had been a while since he’d last seen Serene.

“Audit’s short-staffed. They bumped me up recently. Just finished up and saw your light on, so I thought I’d drop by.”

Three years ago, right after Estrella had left Ravenwood, Serene was reassigned to the administrative office downstairs. It was this move that fueled rumors Jason had a thing for Holly, assuming he was keeping himself on the straight and narrow for her.

In truth, it was all Holly’s doing behind the scenes. If Drew hadn’t clued him in, Jason might still be in the dark. When Holly pulled strings to get Serene reassigned, Serene didn’t say a word, just silently accepted it.

Serene, seeing Jason’s silent gaze, quickly explained with a smile, “I’m doing fine, really. Holly’s been very generous with me.”

She paused before adding, “Actually, Holly even gifted me a house. Vincent and I moved in last month.”

When Serene mentioned Holly’s kindness, she knew all too well that it was just Holly’s way of keeping her away from Jason.

Back then, entrusting her to Jason, Holly had her own little scheme. From start to finish, Serene was a pawn in their game, but if she were honest, Serene preferred Estrella for her forthrightness and strength of character.

“You and Vincent deserved a better place,” Jason said. He had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene had declined. It seemed that communication indeed 08:22 seemed easier among women.

At his words, Serene suddenly remembered something. “Holly’s been asking me about that fire from years ago. She’s been digging for details. Do you have any leads?”

At the mention of the fire, Jason cut the conversation short. “It’s getting late. I’ll drive you home.”

Surprised at first, Serene blushed and nodded, “Okay, thank you, Jason.”

The drive was silent. After Holly returned, she took over all the responsibilities of taking care of Serene. Jason had a lot less to worry about on his end, and he no longer had to visit Serene’s place, sparing even Drew the trouble.

Jason said nothing more, and Serene stayed quiet as well. As they approached her new neighborhood, she finally turned to Jason. “I heard Estrella is back.’

“Yeah, she is.”

After a long look at Jason, Serene added, “Between you and me, I’d rather see you with Estrella than Holly.”

Afraid she might be overstepping, she quickly clarified, “I don’t mean to pry. It’s just that you and Estrella seem right for each other. Everyone says you’re into Holly, but I think you prefer Estrella. Life’s too short not to spend it with the one you love.”

Holding the steering wheel, Jason glanced at Serene. The whole world might think he loved Holly. Serene might be the only one who saw things differently.

Reading his look, Serene hesitantly began, “Although I...” She trailed off before adding, “I just hope you find happiness.”

As they arrived at her building, Jason said, “Here we are.”

“Jason, thanks for the ride,” Serene said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

After she stepped out, Jason told her, “If you need help, go straight to Drew. Don’t worry too much.”

Holly was back in the picture, but Serene had once saved his life.

With a firm nod, Serene replied, “Will do.”

As Jason’s car slowly disappeared from view, Serene continued to stand there, the cold wind chilling her face. She knew in her heart that no matter if Holly was truly dead or only pretending, Holly’s decision to entrust Jason with herself was merely a plot to antagonize Estrella. It was all just so that Jason would never forget Holly, especially because she had some resemblance to Holly.

However, Serene would rather look like Estrella than Holly.

Holly was kind to Serene, gifting her with belongings and houses, all calculated moves to 2/4 08:22 %

keep her at bay from Jason. Holly was grossly overestimating her. Given Serene’s background, a relationship with Jason was merely a pipe dream. She was nowhere near as clever as Estrella and lacked the emotional depth to match.

She once harbored a fleeting dream, but...

It took a gust of cold wind and a phone call from Vincent, asking when she was planning on returning home, for Serene to finally snap back to reality, retreating her gaze and thoughts as she ascended the stairs to go inside.

She preferred her old place, full of family memories and the scent of home. But Holly’s presence was too overwhelming, leaving no room for dissent, despite her seemingly gentle demeanor.

After Autumn and Kristin talked, Estrella managed to get her hands on some of Jason’s documents from Drew, and after pulling a few strings, she got Isaac’s paperwork and insurance all sorted out. With that done, she didn’t feel the need to confront Jason anymore. Seeking a divorce every other day was becoming a tiresome affair for her.

Now that Isaac’s issues were resolved, Estrella acted as if her marriage was already a thing of the past. After all, she had lived as though it was over during her three years abroad.

Estrella was adamant about the divorce, and Jason too dreaded meeting her, fearing they’d end up in another argument with no end in sight.

After three years apart, it was better for both to keep a peaceful distance and avoid further turmoil.

However, Jason had asked Drew to keep a close eye on Holly. He wanted to know how much she knew about the fire that had happened years ago, or if it was just her using Serene to mention that to him on purpose.

That morning, just after Estrella had left the courthouse, she bumped into Thomas in the parking lot.

“Estrella, working on a case, huh?” Thomas called out cheerfully from a distance as he approached.

Spotting him, Estrella responded with a smile, “What brings you here, Thomas? Got yourself into some hot water?”

–

Thomas shrugged nonchalantly, hands in his pockets, “Business is business, you know how it is always a little drama.” Then his tone shifted, “But Estrella, seems like you’ve been swamped since you got back. We’ve been wanting to throw you a welcome-

back bash, but you’re always tied up.”

Estrella glanced at the courthouse. “I guess you can see for yourself how busy I am.”

3/4 08:22 “Oh, by the way, Estrella, did you hear that Jason’s in the hospital?” Thomas added, changing the subject.