billion book
Chapter 49
The standoff between the two had reached a stalemate when a stir suddenly rippled through the banquet hall.
Estrella 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 the lady 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 Estrella’s expression. Damn it, couldn’t the guy tone it down and save Estrella some dignity? Half the room today was privy to their history.
Beside Estrella, Erin wore a smirk that held a hidden message. “Sticking with Jason is a losing game, Estrella.”
Estrella 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 Estrella’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 Estrella 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, Estrella’s over there.”
Jason averted his gaze, feigning ignorance of Estrella’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.
“Estrella!” Spotting Estrella at the Lamont family’s annual celebration, one person greeted her with both surprise and delight.
“Danny,” Estrella returned the greeting with a beaming smile.
Seeing her, the middle-aged man called out, “Estrella, come join us. I’d like you to meet a few big shots. They might be potential clients.”
“Thank you, Danny,” Estrella responded graciously.
The man was thrilled to introduce her. “Estrellas a lawyer. Our company’s legal matters
12:49
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 Estrella handled it with courage and wit. If you ever have legal needs, Ms. Estrella’s your go-to.”
The praises for Estrella flowed as if he were boasting about his own daughter.
Hearing this, the guests mentioned they’d keep Justice Guardians LLP and Ms. Estrella in mind when their current contracts expired.
Estrella flashed a professional smile, expressing her gratitude.
Meanwhile, Jason watched on with a sneer, his gaze cold and dismissive. He had always thought the cases Estrella picked were trivial, adding nothing to her growth. Yet here she was, making connections through these very cases.
People who had worked with her, particularly the older generation, were fond of
something Jason had to respect. His father was a prime example, almost desperate for him to marry Estrella. As for what his father claimed 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 Estrella with a sheepish apology, “Estrella, my boy hasn’t been pestering you lately, 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, Estrella. With your capabilities, you’d be running my company in no time.”
Following this, someone asked, “Danny, is your son even of age?”
โอล
“Just turned 18 a couple of months ago,” Danny chuckled. “Got him a car, and that’s how he met Ms. Estrella.”
Post-incident, Alex, Danny’s son, had become quite attached to Estrella, bringing his friends to the firm and playfully introducing Estrella to them as his girl. During those days, Estrella 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 Estrella 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 Estrella 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, Estrella couldn’t be bothered to return it, until Danny formally introduced them. Only then did she acknowledge Jason.
“Estrella, 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 Estrella attempted to retreat, he tightened his grip.
12:49
Estrella looked up, and Jason offered a sardonic smile, “Ms. Estrella.”
Holding his gaze, Estrella 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.”
Estrella 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 glanced between Jason and Estrella, curiosity piqued. “Do you guys know each other?”
Both released their grip simultaneously, with Estrella speaking up first. “No, we don’t.” Right then, Estrella’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? Estrella 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 claimed not to know Estrella 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.”
Estrella returned the smile. “Thanks for the introduction, Danny.”
After exchanging pleasantries with Danny, Estrella 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 their last encounter.
Jason always avoided public association with her, so Estrella, playing 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?”