At that moment, Jason’s gaze was icy enough to cut ss.
“Bro, I just ran my mouth off. Please don’t exile me to the sticks again. I’d never live it down.” Jason’s
smirk sent shivers down Bryce’s spine.
With a brittle grin, Bryce pleaded, “Come on, don’t banish me. I will infiltrate E’s camp for you and do
some snooping to get her real thoughts.”
The mention of going undercover softened Jason’s expression slightly.
Having promised to spy for Jason, Bryce sought out Estre the next day. In thew firm, Estre was
sorting files alone, working overtime. Bryce pulled up a chair beside her.
Bryce had been shadowing her all morning, and Estre scoffed, “Spit it out if you have something to
say. Don’t stick to me like gum. I’ve got work to do.”
Bryce leaned in, whispering, “Estre, what’s your real take on Jason? What’s your n?”
Estre replied dryly, “He is the boss. What opinion or n could I possibly have?” She knew Bryce
hade for this very reason.
Bryce pressed, “Come on, don’t be so evasive. Give me the straight dope, so I’m prepared.” “Why
should you be prepared? Are we an item?” Estre said, flipping through her case. files. “Whatever
Jason’s thinking, just tell me straight. No need for secrecy. I can handle
it.”
Estre’s response fired Bryce up. Rolling up his sleeves, he fumed, “Jason has crossed the line. Last
night, I criticized him for his dealings with Serene, and how sending her home was wrong. He didn’t
appreciate it, didn’t see his mistake and even red at me. That look was like he wanted to y me
alive. Estre, I’lly it on the line for you. Jason absolutely wants a divorce. If I can’t persuade you
today, and you don’t agree to it, he’ll
make me pay.”
Before Estre could respond, Bryce continued, “Jason’s no saint, so let’s just call it quits. We’ll make
sure to get a hefty settlement from him. And don’t pay any mind to those fortune-tellers’ words. They’re
all chatans. You have been kids ourselves for over twenty years. So you still think kids are that
good? Worstes to worst, I’ll be your
son.”
Bryce’s offer met Estre’s indifferent nce, “No thanks. I wouldn’t take you as a son even if you paid
me.”
Bryce, trying again, asked, “Estre, what’s your stance now? You still want to stick it out with Jason?”
Casually typing, Estre answered without a ripple in her voice, “Tell Jason if he’s got the
15:23
divorce papers ready, I’ll sign whenever.”
N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.
Bryce’s eye’s lit
up, “That’s the spirit, E. Men are a dime a dozen. Don’t worry, E, I’ll make get the best deal from
Jason.”
Sure you
With Estre’s assurance to sign the papers, Bryceforted her and left humming ‘a tune to report to
Jason.
Facing Jason’s desk, Bryce slouched back, legs crossed, boasting, “Bro, E said if you’ve got the
divorce papers ready, she’ll sign anytime. She’s fed up with this sham, and if you want to be with that
bimbo, she’s all for letting you be.”
Behind the desk, Jason snapped his pen in half. “What else did Estre say?” Jason asked.
Bryce cleared his throat, shifted his posture, and borated, “E also said that you pushed her into
bing a twice-married woman for no good reason, so you owe her financially. Thepensation
has to be substantial. She won’te near you, or mention your chapter in her life, to save you any
difort.”
The more Bryce spoke, the heavier Jason’s heart sank.
Bryce, lost in his own fabrications, thought he was achieving great feats. Jason’s silent response to his
storytelling prowess prompted Bryce to add, “E’s being more than fair. You’ve got the money, so be
generous with the divorce. People will speak highly of your magnanimity, or else they’ll only remember
your infidelity. Besides, your new fling doesn’t hold a candle to my E. You’ve got to make it worth
E’s while. Give her something to soothe her pride.”
Bryce kept referring to E as “his,” while Jason just watched silently. Bryce seemed oddly enthusiastic
about the impending divorce.
As Jason stared at him without saying a word, Bryce raised his eyebrows and asked, “Did I handle this
issue right for you? You’ve been trying to divorce for two years without sess, but I sorted it out for
you as soon as stepped in.”
“Indeed.” Jason replied with a grin, keeping his real emotions hidden.
Bryce added, “Keep in mind thepensation just mentioned to you. After all, you’ve known E for so
many years.”
“Definitely.” Jason responded.
As Bryce met Jason’s gaze, he sensed the mood was off. Jason wasn’t ted about the sessful
separation.
Jason rhythmically tapped the desk, “Bryce, you handle this well, and I’m also pleased with your recent
work ethic and results.”
Bryce, caught off-guard by the sudden shift to work matters, quickly said, “Thanks, bro. I’ll keep at it.”
15:23
hapter 23
Jason then mentioned, “Lately, thepany decided to sponsor the construction of 50 primary schools
in rural areas for free. I think you would make a great leader for this project.”
Bryce was stunned, “Bro, I mean, Mr. Jason, I…
Jason’s nce stopped him cold, “Any objections?”
With that look, Bryce felt a chill, shaking his head frantically, “None whatsoever. How could I possibly
object.”
“Pack your bags. You’re hitting the road with the crew at 3 p.m. today.”
“What? Today at 3 p.m.?” Bryce had thought he’d have at least a few more days to make some moves,
to plead his case or wait for Jason to cool off. But there was no time given. Damn, that was ruthless. It
was past noon already, and he barely had enough time to pack.
Jason observed Bryce’s despondent expression and added, “In line with ourpany’s phnthropic
ethos, I want you to be fully involved in the construction of those 50 schools. You’lle back when
they’re all built.”
“Bro, is it because I asked for too much money? If that’s the case, you can cut my pay, man. I’ll go talk
to Estre about it.” Bryce was on the verge of tears.
Fifty schools. Bryce was sure it would be the end of him.
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