The standoff between the two had reached a stalemate when a stir suddenly rippled through the
banquet hall.
Estre followed the collective gaze and there he was-Jason had arrived, with Serene trailing beside
him in a stunning powder blue cocktail dress.
“Jason looks dashing tonight. Who’s thedy with him?”
“I think that’s his personal secretary. I’ve heard Jason treats her really well, and she’s like his shadow.”
“Personal secretary? I’m green with envy. To see Jason every day must be a dream.”
The chatter of the women buzzed around Jesse who, with a turn of her head, watched Estre’s
expression. Damn it, couldn’t the guy tone it down and save Estre some dignity? Half the room today
was privy to their history.
Beside Estre, Erin wore a smirk that held a hidden message. “Sticking with Jason is a losing game,
Estre.”
Estre stepped forward, looping her fingers through Erin’s belt. “Let’s see if you’re brave enough to
take on Jason, then.”
Erin stiffened, but eventually pried Estre’s hand away, leaning in to whisper, “If you can’t” swallow
your pride, I’ll be your plus one tonight.”
Across the room, Jason’s eyes swiftly picked Estre out from the crowd. Observing her tete-a-tete with
Erin, and the hint of an intimate charge between them, Jason’s gaze. turned sharply piercing.
Serene, noting the tension, tugged Jason’s sleeve discreetly, “Jason, Estre’s over there.”
Jason averted his gaze, feigning ignorance of Estre’s presence, unaffected by her.
As fate would have it, they soon found themselves within close quarters. Jason was mingling with a
group of businesspeople from Hong Kong, potential investors attracted by Ravenwood government.
“Estre!” Spotting Estre at the Lamont family’s annual celebration, one person greeted her with both
surprise and delight.
“Danny,” Estre returned the greeting with a beaming smile.
Seeing her, the middle-aged man called out, “Estre,e join us. I’d like you to meet a few big
shots. They might be potential clients.”
“Thank you, Danny,” Estre responded graciously.
The man was thrilled to introduce her. “Estres awyer. Ourpany’s legal matters
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are handled by her firm. She hasn’t directly worked with us,
prowess. My son had a minor run-in with an old man, which turned out to be a con. Ms.
but
I admire her attitude and Estre handled it with courage and wit. If you ever have legal needs, Ms.
Estre’s your go-to.”
The praises for Estre flowed as if he were boasting about his own daughter.
Hearing this, the guests mentioned they’d keep Justice Guardians LLP and Ms. Estre in mind when
their current contracts expired.
Estre shed a professional smile, expressing her gratitude.
Meanwhile, Jason watched on with a sneer, his gaze cold and dismissive. He had always thought the
cases Estre picked were trivial, adding nothing to her growth. Yet here she was, making connections
through these very cases.
People who had worked with her, particrly the older generation, were fond of
something Jason had to respect. His father was a prime example, almost desperate for him to marry
Estre. As for what his father imed about Cole helping him, Jason never believed it. He thought his
dad was just making it up.
After Danny’s round of introductions, he turned back to Estre with a sheepish apology, “Estre, my
boy hasn’t been pestering youtely, has he? He’s head over heels for you, poor kid. Got himself in a
mess because of it. If only you’d consider him, Estre. With your capabilities, you’d be running my
company in no time.”
Following this, someone asked, “Danny, is your son even of age?”
???
“Just turned 18 a couple of months ago,” Danny chuckled. “Got him a car, and that’s how he met Ms.
Estre.”
Post-incident, Alex, Danny’s son, had be quite attached to Estre, bringing his friends to the firm
and yfully introducing Estre to them as his girl. During those days, Estre had a convoy escorting
her every day, causing her a lot of headaches. It took a stern talking-to from Danny and a little
intervention from Estre to get the boys, including Alex, to back off-though he promised he’d return.
Jason had remained expressionless throughout, but the news of an infatuated teenager chasing after
Estre drew his gaze sharply to her. One Korey wasn’t enough; now she was wrapping kids around
her finger too-she was really something.
When Jason’s searching look fell on her, Estre couldn’t be bothered to return it, until Danny formally
introduced them. Only then did she acknowledge Jason.
Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.
“Estre, this is Mr. Jason from Nelson International.”
“Mr. Jason.” She extended her hand in greeting
Jason, taking in her feigned indifference, grasped her hand firmly, and as Estre attempted to retreat,
he tightened his grip.
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Estre looked up, and Jason offered a sardonic smile, “Ms. Estre.”
Holding his gaze, Estre responded, “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jason, I specialize in divorce cases,
so if you ever need one, make sure to call me.”
Jason’s grip tightened, “I’ll be sure to remember that.”
Estre gasped sharply, locking eyes with Jason and digging her nails into the back of his hand with
fierce resolve.
To the onlookers, the scene was a
puzzle – a silent drama they couldn’t quite grasp.
Danny nced between Jason and Estre, curiosity piqued. “Do you guys know each other?”
Both released their grip simultaneously, with Estre speaking up first. “No, we don’t.” Right then,
Estre’s right hand was flushed red, while Jason’s hand bore the angry crescents of her nails, his
expression darkening considerably.
They didn’t know each other? Estre had been on Jason’s radar since the day she was born.
With a brooding look, Jason shoved his hands into his pockets. He forgot how many times he had
imed not to know Estre in the presence of others.
Danny chimed in with a smile, “Well, now you’re acquainted. It’s always good for the young folks to
network a bit more.”
Estre returned the smile. “Thanks for the introduction, Danny.”
After exchanging pleasantries with Danny, Estre slipped away. But as fate would have it, just as she
emerged from the restroom, she ran smack into Jason.
She pulled a couple of paper towels to dry her hands and greeted him coolly, “Mr. Jason.”
It had been over ten days since theirst encounter.
Jason always avoided public association with her, so Estre, ying it polite and detached, addressed
him formally as Mr. Jason.
Jason’s gaze hardened, and he stepped in her path. Leaning in, he asked with a low voice, “You don’t
know me?”