Chater 817


    Around noon, Estelle asked Mr. Ma to join her for a meal at Xavier’ barbecue joint, since she


    hadn’t seen Xavier since New Year.


    Norah was also there, bustling around in a grey and pink tracksuit, full of youthful energy.


    Zachary and the others got on well with Norah, affectionately calling her by her first name.


    When Estelle went to the kitchen, Xavier was out back having a smoke, a little dog was yapping around


    him.


    Hearing footsteps, Xavier turned to see Estelle and immediately put on a smile, “Started work yet?”


    “Yep.” Estelle, a bit scared of dogs, didn’t dare approach, just stood behind Xavier and asked, “Where’d


    the doge from?”


    Xavier exined, “Seems like it’s a prop from some movie crew at Movie Center, they left it here after


    they were done. Norah feeds it from time to time, so it keepsing back for more.”


    Knowing Estelle was afraid, he threw a bone to get the dog to go away.


    After the dog left, Xavier pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to Estelle, “This is what the


    barbecue joint has made in thest couple of months, I’ve given Zachary and the others their cut, rest


    is for you.”


    “Why give me? I don’t want it!” Estelle rejected.


    “I know you’ve been sending money to Wolf and the others every month, it should be our thing, not just


    yours to bear. Take it!” Xavier insisted, pushing the card into Estelle’s hands.


    Estelle handed it back, saying indifferently, “What I’m doing is our thing, are you giving me this money


    to make a clean break?”


    Xavier frowned, “You know that’s not what I mean!”


    He just didn’t want her to feel financial stress; even if she was with Jonathan, he didn’t want her to rely


    on the Lamont family because of money. Estelleughed lightly, “I have enough money, keep it. In case


    the restaurant or Zachary and the others have problems, you can handle it.”


    Seeing Estelle’s insistence, Xavier didn’t press further, only saying, “If you need money, make sure to


    tell me.”


    “Got it!”


    He stubbed out his cigarette, crushing it underfoot, then said, “There’s something else I wanted to talk


    to you about.”


    The back door opened onto a small yard, usually cluttered with odds and ends. Since Norah came, she


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    had nted a few flower pots here, one of which was blooming with winter jasmine.


    Estelle sat on a nearby bench, waiting for Xavier to speak.


    Xavier said, “When you have time, talk to Norah. Ask her to go back and work in her family’s business,


    or find some other internship. She shouldn’t be here.” Estelle was a bit surprised, “What’s wrong with


    Norah?”


    “Nothing, she’s doing well.” Xavier said.


    He wasn’t just humoring Estelle. Norah truly did well in his store, diligent and enthusiastic, everyone in


    the shop liked her like a sister.


    “Then why should she leave?”


    Xavier frowned, “She’s the Lamont family’s heiress, it’s not proper for her to hang around my store all


    day, right? All men here, if word gets out, it’s not good for her reputation.”


    Estelle giggled, “What age are we in, you’re still so conservative?”


    “It’s not about being conservative, it’s about considering her. No matter the era, a girl’s reputation is


    important! And some customers, once they’ve had a few, they can say some disrespectful things. She


    shouldn’t have to put up with that with her status.


    Xavier took out another cigarette, lit it and took a puff before continuing, This isn’t a ce for her to


    stay for a long-term. She’s about to graduate, either go home and be the wealthydy of her family, or


    find a real job. Either way, my ce isn’t suitable for her.”


    Estelle gradually understood Xavier’s meaning, “Alright, I’ll talk to her.”


    “It’s hard for me to bring this up, you exin it to her.” Xavier took another puff and whispered.


    “Sure!”