No sooner had Erin stepped out of Jason’s office than Estre breezed in, clutching a sheaf of
documents in her hand. With a smile, she pulled out the chair opposite Jason’s desk. “Heard you had
someone rough up Erinst night.”
Jason looked up. “Isn’t that what you wanted to see?”
Estre’s smile widened. “You know me so well, huh?”
As she sat down, she tossed a yful barb his way. “You’d make a perfect husband if you only liked me
a bit more.”
Before Jason could respond, Estre handed over the documents, getting back to business. “The legal
department says you need to sign off on these.”
He took the papers, but Jason’s thoughts lingered on her earlier quip about hisck of affection. He
skimmed the document briefly before scribbling his signature at the bottom, next to the “Party A”
section.
Estre collected the signed papers. “So cooperative! I should reward you with a surprise tonight.”
Jason was unmoved. “I’ll pass.” The only surprises Estre offered were the kind you’d rather avoid.
“Oh,e on, we’re an old married couple now. No need for formalities!” she said with al chuckle,
standing up.
Just then, Jason’s phone buzzed. He appeared busy with work, so Estre whispered a goodbye. Her
face was beaming with satisfaction as she left his office.
In the corridor, right after Estre’s departure, Serene rounded the corner. Spotting Estre, she
approached with a smile. “Hey, Estre.”
With a nonchnt “hmm,” Estre acknowledged her. Serene nced at the documents. “You were
getting Jason to sign off on these, right?”
After her remark, she grabbed Estre’s arm, whispering urgently, “I never touched anything in your
room the other night. I just sat by your dresser all evening, and Jason, he also…”
Before Serene could finish, Estre cut her off. “Serene, live your own life and don’t ruin it for yourself.”
If Serene hadn’t brought it up, Estre would have almost forgotten. She was not sure if Serene was
genuinely exining or not.
Serene looked troubled, speaking softly, “I know. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong
idea.”
12:48
As if truly concerned about upsetting Estre, Serene quickly raised the lunchbox she was holding “I
made Jason some soup. You should have some too, Estre!”
Serene’s deferential demeanor was met with a half-smile from Estre. “Well, I can’t say no to that”
Then, Estre took the whole thermos from Serene’s hands. Making soup early in the morning took
more effort than she would ever bother with. No wonder Jason kept her around.
Serene hesitated, reminding Estre, “You can’t finish all that soup by yourself. There’s also…”
Estre assured her, “Don’t worry. I’ve got a big appetite.”
Serene looked troubled, but Estre coldly added, “Serene, I’m not a man to fall for your damsel in
distress act. Jason isn’t someone you should pine for. Keep your ambitions in check.”
Serene grew anxious. “Estre, I’m just grateful to Jason. I…”
Estre, uninterested in hearing more, simply walked away.
“Ms. Estre,” Drew called out, stepping out of a nearby office.
Without a word, Estre handed him the thermos. “Toss this for me. And if Jason eats any
of her food, Drew, you can forget about your own meals from now on.”
Drew felt a surge of anxiety but quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Ms. Estre. I’ll -personally oversee
his meals.”
Knowing it was best not to cross Estre, Drew reminded Serene once more after Estre had left,
insisting that he would handle Jason’s dining arrangements.
Serene remained silent, watching Estre and Drew leave before she turned to seek out Jason. She
timidly knocked on the office door, and Jason, sensing something amiss, asked, “Ran into Estre?”
“Yes,” Serene confirmed. “I made you some soup, but Estre…”
She swallowed her words, noticing the look in Jason’s eyes. Changing the subject, she asked, “Are we
still visiting the cemetery this afternoon?”
“Yes,”
“Then I’ll go get things ready.”
Out of nowhere, Jason warned, “Stay away from Estre.”
Serene paused, and then softly agreed, “Okay.”
12:48
Jason returned to Sandalwood Oasis after 9 in the evening. Estre had arrived earlier than him.
Greeting him as usual, she said, “Back already?”
Jason hung his coat on the rack. “You threw out Serene’s soup today?”
Estre’s smile didn’t waver. “Fancy y some soup? I’ll have Marie cook up a few pots for you. tomorrow.
Whatever kind you want.”
At her indifference, Jason’s voice turned icy. “Estre, stop bullying the easy targets.”
Thatment amused Estre, who abruptly halted her approach, crossing her arms over her chest.
After a moment of staring at Jason, she quipped, “If I don’t bully her a bit, it’s almost like I’m not giving
you the chance to protect her.”
Jason shot her a cold look, and Estre’sughter grew louder. She wanted to retort, but ended up just
chuckling, “Scared I’ll go after her? Then let’s have a kid! You could move out and live with her if you
want.”
even
The words came out withughter, but there was an indescribable taste to them. She was stung by
Jason’s scathing gaze.
Jason’s reply was dismissive. “Forget about the kid.”
Estre’s smile slowly faded into a rigid mask. He had been questioning and warning her since the
moment he walked in the door, but she had remained amiable, even cheerful. Now, she couldn’t muster
a smile any longer.
The tension between them was palpable when Jason’s cellphone suddenly broke the silence. He
averted his gaze to answer the call and Serene’s voice came through, “Jason, I left my bag in your car.
Are you free right now? Can Ie pick it up?”
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Jason replied, “Give me half an hour. Meet me downstairs to get it.”
Hearing that Jason would bring her the bag, Serene perked up with delight. “Great, Jason, I’ll be
waiting for you.”
After hanging up, Jason cast a cool nce at Estre before leaving the bedroom they shared.
Alone in the room, Estre let out a mockingugh. He imed he only owed Serene a favor, but she
just couldn’t believe his words.
As the sound of the car starting up reached her ears, Estre snapped back to reality and noticed a few
petals on the carpet by the door. Curious, she approached and picked them up. They were yellow rose
petals. Jason had visited the cemetery today, and Serene had apanied him.
Estre gazed at the two stray petals when suddenly her own phone, nestled in her
pocket, began to ring with an unknown number. Without any rush, Estre answered, only
to be greeted by an explosive voice on the other end, “Estre, help me!”