Chapter 96

They could never go back to the way things were.

Estrella hadn’t opened her eyes; she simply lay there, her lids closed in a feigned slumber.

Jason didn’t immediately rise from his stooped position, he simply watched her. He didn’t know how long he had been watching her when he finally reached out and flicked off the overhead light.

The next morning, when Estrella’s eyes fluttered open, Jason was already up, getting dressed. He glanced over at her and casually greeted her, “Up already?”

Shielding her eyes with her arm, Estrella peeked at him and replied, “Mm-hmm.” Then added, “Had a dream about you last night.”

“Oh yeah? What about me?”

“I dreamed you took advantage of me when I was asleep…”

Estrella’s voice trailed off as Jason shot her a frosty look, prompting her to mime zipping her lips and lazily getting out of bed.

Soon after they got ready and left the room, Bryce and Jesse hurried over. Bryce, bubbling with excitement, approached her and said, “Estrella, did you hear? The lawyer who drugged you got busted with a client last night

Estrella was still processing when Bryce continued, “You missed quite the show, sleeping through all the excitement last night. The police got tipped off about some solicitation going on at a motel nearby and they swooped in. They busted in the door and there was Rachel, caught red-handed with a bunch of guys. What a scandalous scene. Future Vision already terminated her contract this morning; she’s not likely to practice law again.” Bryce recounted the night’s events with dramatic flair, as if he had been there to witness it all.

Rachel had slipped something into Estrella’s drink, hoping to set her up. Jason wouldn’t want her after, and no one would stand up for her then. But Estrella saw through her plan, and Jesse unwittingly switched the spiked juice without Rachel catching on..

Estrella didn’t have to lift a finger. Rachel’s night was doomed to end badly, regardless. But now it seemed someone had taken revenge on her behalf.

So, as Bryce spun his tale, she turned to look at Jason. She had wondered the night before if Jason really thought disposing of the drugged drink was enough, Since when was he so forgiving and benevolent? Turned out that he had his own way of handling things.

Estrella said to Jason, “You play rough, huh? But, thanks.”

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Chapter 96

hands still in his pockets, feigned ignorance. “No clue what you’re talking about.”

arms through his, “Come on. After

could at least take credit. Plus, if you’d told me earlier, I would’ve made it worth your

ear and out the other. He knew her too well – she only acted for her own gain or happiness.

turn back now, finish what we didn’t get to last

stopped to reply but she quickly added, “Right, but you have a meeting to rush to. You are running out of

her chin, “If you’re that sincere, you can pay back

banter was one thing; who would remember it by nightfall? Estrella’s mood might well have changed by then.

the men Jason had sent Rachel’s way were the same ones she had lined up for

thought, if only Jason could treat her like he used to, they might have managed to

some things just can’t be

he’s long gone. What are you still staring

“Nothing.”

nibbling on her breakfast. Bryce, ever the enthusiast, reported, “Estrella, the bar association slammed Rachel, and there’s a bunch of dirt coming out about her. People are saying

qualities onto others and suspect them of being a certain way.” The mud Rachel had slung at Estrella the night before seemed to be a

reputation was undoubtedly tarnished Rachel had been a fixture at the firm, and her behavior was likely not unknown to Future Vision.

asked, “Trouble in paradise again last

snapped back to the present, put down her phone, and smiled, “Nope.” No,

2/3

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Chapter 96

the atmosphere was strained all

hung up on

bristled at the mention, “After all these years? If he was that besotted, he shouldn’t have gotten with Estrella in the first place. Besides, Holly’s death wasn’t

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