Chapter 196

Cradling Isaac in her arms, Estrella paused as she listened to Autumn’s words. After a moment, she said, “He’ll be leaving soon.”

Then Estrella returned to teaching Isaac letters. “Sweetheart, how do we read these two

words?”

Autumn watched the mother and son for a while before getting back to her own business. Outside in the yard, Jason had no idea how long he’d been watching from afar, but as the darkness deepened, he started up his car and headed back to the office.

The image of Estrella tumbling in the yard weighed heavily on his mind. He knew she was blaming him for something.

At his desk, Jason could only immerse himself in work to escape the troubles of life. After signing off on the financial documents that had been left for him, he was about to call it a day when his office door burst open.

Looking up, he saw Serene walk in. “Jason, still burning the midnight oil, huh?”

“Yeah. Haven’t you headed out yet?” Jason realized it had been a while since he’d last seen

Serene.

“Audit’s short-staffed. They bumped me up recently. Just finished up and saw your light on, so I thought I’d drop by.”

Three years ago, right after Estrella had left Ravenwood, Serene was reassigned to the administrative office downstairs. It was this move that fueled rumors Jason had a thing for Holly, assuming he was keeping himself on the straight and narrow for her.

In truth, it was all Holly’s doing behind the scenes. If Drew hadn’t clued him in, Jason might still be in the dark. When Holly pulled strings to get Serene reassigned, Serene didn’t say a word, just silently accepted it.

Serene, seeing Jason’s silent gaze, quickly explained with a smile, “I’m doing fine, really. Holly’s been very generous with me.”

She paused before adding, “Actually, Holly even gifted me a house. Vincent and I moved in last month.”

When Serene mentioned Holly’s kindness, she knew all too well that it was just Holly’s way of keeping her away from Jason. Back then, entrusting her to Jason, Holly had her own little scheme. From start to finish, Serene was a pawn in their game, but if she were honest, Serene preferred Estrella for her forthrightness and strength of character.

better place,” Jason said. He had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene had declined. It seemed that communication indeed

08:22

easier among women.

that fire from years ago. She’s been digging for details.

cut the conversation short. “It’s getting

Serene blushed and nodded, “Okay, thank

took over all the responsibilities of taking care of Serene. Jason had a lot less to worry about on his end, and he no longer had

stayed quiet as well. As they approached her new neighborhood, she finally turned to Jason. “I heard

“Yeah, she is.”

Jason, Serene added, “Between you and

overstepping, she quickly clarified, “I don’t mean to pry. It’s just that you and Estrella seem right for each other. Everyone says you’re into Holly, but I think you prefer Estrella. Life’s too

wheel, Jason glanced at Serene. The whole world might think he loved Holly.

I…” She trailed off before adding, “I

they arrived at her building, Jason

for the ride,” Serene said as

she stepped out, Jason told her, “If you need help, go straight to Drew.

too much.”

but Serene had once saved his life.

a firm nod, Serene replied,

knew in her heart that no matter if Holly was truly dead or only pretending, Holly’s decision to entrust Jason with herself was merely a plot to antagonize Estrella. It was all just so that Jason would never forget Holly, especially because she had some resemblance

would rather look like Estrella than

her with belongings and houses, all calculated moves to

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08:22 %

at bay from Jason. Holly was grossly overestimating her. Given Serene’s

dream. She was nowhere near

a fleeting dream, but…

and a phone call from Vincent, asking when she was planning on returning home, for Serene to finally snap back to reality, retreating her gaze and thoughts as she

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