Novel Palace
Chapter 45
Jason “Don’t you want the Digital Springs project anymore?”
Estrella immediately opened the door on the passenger side, smiling as she got in, Talking business works for me too.”
Jason’s expression remained one of distaste, Dammit, she was always so pragmatic, wanting only the most tangible things in life.
As the engine roared to life, Estrella shot Jason a look full of ambiguous admiration, her smile wide and seemingly adoring. Out of the corner of his eye, Jason caught her gaze and felt his skin crawl with goosebumps. Anyone who didn’t know better might think Estrella was head over heels for him.
Jason tugged at his collar with his right hand trying to shake off the feeling and said coolly, “You hung up on me, and you even turned off your phone. Have you found your next option? Are you sure he can give you a child?”
Estrella’s smile faltered, no need to ask-it was Bryce’s doing. He just sneaked back by -hitching a ride on the train, but it seemed he really can’t learn his lesson.
After a moment of eyeing Jason, Estrella chuckled. “Are you actually worried about me?” At her laugh, Jason’s face soured. He deflected, “Where were you last night?” Estrella straightened up and gazed ahead. “Felt down. Took a drive to Waterfall Acres.”
Her excuse did little to alleviate the silence between them. Estrella was actually used to Jason’s moods long ago. She was just making things up to him.
With Jason staying quiet, Estrella prodded, “Feeling guilty?”
Before Jason could reply, Estrella pressed on, “If you really feel bad, why don’t you lend a hand with the Digital Springs project?”
Jason’s hands gripped the steering wheel as he replied indifferently, “Dream on.”
Estrella was not having it. “So you were just stringing me along?”
Jason just kept silent.
Seeing this, Estrella, in a huff, grabbed a water bottle from the side and threw it at him.
Twenty minutes later, they were back home, tucking into a hearty meal of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, after which Estrella took a long shower and settled down at her computer to work. The Digital Springs project was a ticking clock, and she needed a game plan.
Emerging from the bathroom with a towel rubbing his hair, Jason caught sight of Estrella, now donning black-framed glasses, absorbed in her tasks. A sense of contentment
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E
washed over him,
He approached her and propped his arms around her, casually glancing over the project proposal in her hands.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Estrella’s phone, resting beside her, suddenly rang. Startled by Jason’s proximity, she jumped up, regaining her composure quickly, and teased, “I’m working, not cheating on you. No need to hover.”
With that, she picked up her phone, glanced at the caller ID, and said, “If you’re interested, give it a proper look. I have a call to take.”
Jason watched her retreat to take the call privately, his patience wearing thin. “Estrella, take that call right here.”
“I need to pee,” Estrella bluffed and dashed into the bathroom.
Once inside, she barely had the phone to her ear when Bryce’s voice came through, frantic and scolding, “Estrella, am I just talking to the wind? I called you all day to Jason, and to not go back to Sandalwood Oasis. Are you deaf? I’m telling you, you’re the stay away from one spoiling him. Get back here, pronto.”
Estrella was about to retort when Jason’s voice intervened from outside, “Estrella, Get out by the count of three, or you’ll regret it.” His instinct told her this call wasn’t trivial.
Inside the bathroom, Estrella ignored Jason’s threat and bluntly addressed Bryce, “You planning on hiding forever?”
On the other end, Bryce’s tone softened at her challenge, “Estrella, I’m doing this for your sake. You wouldn’t understand. You’re not a guy. Guys are jerks. The more you chase, the less they care. Ignore him, and he’ll start thinking about you.”
Estrella scoffed, “You lecture me, but you can’t even tie the knot yourself.”
Bryce deflated at her rebuff, “Estrella, your place is too big, and I’m scared on my own. Hurry back.”
Outside the bathroom, Jason, who had been ignored, grew visibly irritated and called out sternly, “Estrella.”
Estrella peered at the door and said to Bryce, “Jason’s trying to break down the door. Gotta go.”
“Jason is back?” Bryce reacted with surprise, then added, “Then don’t stick around in Sandalwood Oasis. He’s a drag. Come keep me company.”
Not in the mood to haggle with Bryce, Estrella hung up. She then casually opened the bathroom door.
Estrella found Jason, looking rather grim, about to kick the door down. Leaning against the door frame with crossed arms and a lazy smile, she teased, “Weren’t you going to
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count? Why’d you stop?”
Jason’s hand shot out to pinch her face. “Whose call was that?” Even if he usually couldn’t stand her, the thought of her with someone else was intolerable.
Estrella’s laughter grew brighter at his anger, casually removing his hand. “I haven’t even done anything and you’re this worked up. What if I really did cheat on you? You wouldn’t
survive.”
“Don’t play games with me,” Jason demanded, holding out his hand. “Your phone.”
“What if I don’t want to?” Estrella challenged.
“Then I’ll find out myself,” Jason warned.
Estrella laughed mockingly. “Jason, if I really had someone on the side, the fact that I’d take their call behind your back is already giving you too much respect.”
Η
Her words were a stark reference to his recent bag delivery to Serene. As they locked eyes, Jason’s brows furrowed, and his tongue pressed against his cheek. as he fell silent. Suddenly, Estrella’s Messenger rang, and it rang several times in a row. Jason coldly placed his hand in front of Estrella, and this time, he didn’t say a word.
Estrella slowly peeled herself away from the doorframe, straightening up as the smile on her face faded into a more serious expression.
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