Drew continued, “Mr. Jason turned it down. He said that Dorvold Group had been prepping for this
project for ages and that they’re a better fit. Plus, he’s made it clear to them that if Dorvold Group ever
needs a hand during theter stages of the project, Nelson
International will be all in to assist.”
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Jason knew Cole had his eye on the Digital Springs project, so he had stayed out of the picture from
the get-go. Otherwise, all the drama that followed would’ve been non-existent, and Nelson International
would’ve snagged the project from the start.
After Drew wrapped up, Estre offered a wry smile and kept mum. Jason had turned down an invite
from the top brass, which took her by surprise.
Drew struck while the iron was hot, “Ms. Estre, he really values you. There’s so much going on
behind the scenes that you’re not aware of.”
Estre chuckled at Drew’s constant championing for Jason, “Drew, you’re so dedicated. I’m almost
tempted to poach you for the Dorvold Group.”
Drew chuckled back, “Ms. Estre, you are just humoring me.”
Estre’s personality was a hit. Drew adored it, and so did all of Jason’s friends. If it hadn’t been for
that fateful incident three years ago, they might have been blissfully happy by now, with their children
toddling around and calling out “mommy” and “daddy”.
Half an hourter, Estre arrived at Nelson International and was promptly led to an avable office.
The desk was piled with documents and reports, along with a stack of expense reimbursement forms.
When Estre looked puzzled and confused, the secretary exined, “Ms. Estre, Mr. Jason insists
that you personally review and sign off on these applications, contracts, and expense forms. He’s
worried about oversights otherwise.”
Estre blurted out, “Don’t you guys have an admin department? What about legal?”
The secretary meekly replied, “Admin and legal have already signed off. Mr. Jason said it’s not good to
go until you’ve had a look too.”
Estre couldn’t help but probe, “Did your previous legal team handle these things? Even the approval
of expense reimbursement forms?”
The secretary squirmed a bit, “Supposedly, yes
Contract paperwork fell within Estre’s purview, but expense reports and application forms? This had
Jason’s fingerprints all over it, as if she had time to deal with Korey’s
mess.
With a huff, Estre tossed her bag aside, “Jason sure knows how to keep people busy.”
11.30-
In reality, even if Jason hadn’t pulled this move she wouldn’t have taken cases rted to Korey. She
already had enough cases on her te.
As sher started to work, the secretary offered in a soft voice, “Ms. Estre, let me get you some coffee.”
No sooner had the secretary spoken than a young man arrived bearing coffee and a fruit. tart, ensuring
that Estre could work undisturbed.
There’s an old saying, “You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Having signed the contract, and
considering the firm’s reputation, Estre couldn’t well argue with Jason, so she got down to business
at the desk.
She meticulously reviewed and signed the contracts, but the notion of signing off on office supplies and
even a janitor’s mop and bucket was too much. Did Jason really think. she had nothing better to do?
So, after signing onest expense report, Estre stormed off to find Jason. She barged into his office,
finding him at his desk, and greeted him with a smirk, “Working hard, I see?”
Jason nced up, still irked about being stiffed by her the night before, and asked bluntly, “What do
you want?”
Estre sauntered over, dropping the expense reports in front of him, “Mr. Jason, don’t you think I’m a
bit overqualified for this?”
Jason shot back dryly, “You’re indeed quite qualified.”
He still couldn’t get over how she’d gotten away with just the forey and then slept like a baby. She’d
had her cake and eaten it too.
His expression soured, and Estre couldn’t help butugh, “Still upset, huh? Didn’t I say I’d make it up
to you tonight?”
Jason dismissed her, “Lost interest.”
Since his pride wouldn’t let him admit it, Estre perched on the arm of his chair, she mentioned the
project he’d turned down. “If you’d told me sooner, Lwouldn’t have shortchanged you. I’d have gone the
whole nine yards with you instead.”
Jason scoffed; he wouldn’t fall for that. Swatting her hand off his shoulder, he said coolly, “Hands off.”
Estre teased him further, “Really that mad, huh? How about I make it up to you right now?”
His gaze met hers, and he retorted, “Estre, all you’ve got is that mouth of yours.”
She had blushed at his touch the night before, and now she was just betting he wouldn’t dare make a
move here at the office.
11:30
When Jason didn’t rise to the bait, Estre, still perched on his chair arm, said, “You make me sign off
on a mop purchase? Really, Jason, if you’re so keen to keep me around just for Nelson International,
your retainer’s going to have to be a whole lot heftier.”
When the conversation turned to work, Jason finally looked her way, “All day it’s divorce cases and
neighborhood squabbles. Is that really what you want, Estre?” If it weren’t for the Nelson
International gig, she wouldn’t have a single noteworthy case on her
hands.
Estre replied, “Clearly, you’re out of touch with themon folk.”
Jason offered, “If you’re fed up with your family firm,e to Nelson International. Pick any title you
want.”
Estre had mentioned a couple of times about Serene in thepany. But for him, Serene was a
commitment he had to honor. If Estre didn’t believe him, she was
wee toe and see for herself.
Hearing that, Estre’s smile grew even wider, Jason, seems like you’re really smitten by
me.”
“Jason.” Estre had barely finished speaking when the door to Jason’s office burst open. Serene,
grinning ear to ear, waltzed in with a lunch box in her hand. Upon seeing Estre there, not just in
Jason’s office but perched on his chair, Serene was momentarily taken aback.
Regaining herposure, Serene strode in with the lunchbox, cheerfully greeting Estre. “Hey,
Estre.”
Unperturbed by Serene’s arrival, Estre casually acknowledged her with a nod, making no move to
vacate her seat on the armrest of Jason’s chair. Estre leaned into him, her arm still casually draped
over his shoulder. Next to Estre’smanding presence, Serene seemed all the more meek.
Aware that Estre took issue with her bringing Jason food, Serene quickly tried to make amends. “The
lunch is from thepany cafeteria. You haven’t had lunch either, right, Estre? I’ll go grab a portion
for you too.”
“Sure, thanks, Serene,” Estre replied.
Serene ced the lunch she had brought for Jason on the desk and scurried out to fetch Estre’s
meal.
Once Serene brought back Estre’s portion, she closed the door and made her exit. As she left, she
couldn’t help but cast a longing nce back at the office, wishing she could possess Estre’s
confidence, but it was clear shecked that self-assurance.
Back in the office, after Serene had set down the food, Estre stood up and moved to the dining area
to open their lunch boxes.
Jason followed, his expression unreadable, and watched Estre as he said, “Are you gonna dig in
without hesitation. Aren’t you worried she might have spiked your meal?”