billion book
Chapter 23
At that moment, Jason’s gaze was icy enough to cut glass.
“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 Ella’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 Estrella the next day. In the law firm, Estrella was sorting files alone, working overtime. Bryce pulled up a chair beside her.
Bryce had been shadowing her all morning, and Estrella 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, “Estrella, what’s your real take on Jason? What’s your plan?”
Estrella replied dryly, “He is the boss. What opinion or plan could I possibly have?” She knew Bryce had come 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?” Estrella said, flipping through her case. files. “Whatever Jason’s thinking, just tell me straight. No need for secrecy. I can handle
it.”
Estrella’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 glared at me. That look was like he wanted to flay me alive. Estrella, I’ll lay 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 Estrella 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 charlatans. You have been kids ourselves for over twenty years. So you still think kids are that good? Worst comes to worst, I’ll be your
son.”
Bryce’s offer met Estrella’s indifferent glance, “No thanks. I wouldn’t take you as a son even if you paid me.”
Bryce, trying again, asked, “Estrella, what’s your stance now? You still want to stick it out with Jason?”
Casually typing, Estrella answered without a ripple in her voice, “Tell Jason if he’s got the
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divorce papers ready, I’ll sign whenever.”
Bryce’s eye’s lit
up, “That’s the spirit, Ella. Men are a dime a dozen. Don’t worry, Ella, I’ll make get the best deal from Jason.”
Sure you
With Estrella’s assurance to sign the papers, Bryce comforted her and left humming ‘a tune to report to Jason.
Facing Jason’s desk, Bryce slouched back, legs crossed, boasting, “Bro, Ella 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 Estrella say?” Jason asked.
Bryce cleared his throat, shifted his posture, and elaborated, “Ella also said that you pushed her into becoming a twice-married woman for no good reason, so you owe her financially. The compensation has to be substantial. She won’t come near you, or mention your chapter in her life, to save you any discomfort.”
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, “Ella’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 Ella. You’ve got to make it worth Ella’s while. Give her something to soothe her pride.”
Bryce kept referring to Ella 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 success, 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 the compensation just mentioned to you. After all, you’ve known Ella for so many years.”
“Definitely.” Jason responded.
As Bryce met Jason’s gaze, he sensed the mood was off. Jason wasn’t elated about the successful 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.”
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Jason then mentioned, “Lately, the company 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 glance 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 our company’s philanthropic ethos, I want you to be fully involved in the construction of those 50 schools. You’ll come 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 Estrella 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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