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.

and Vincent deserved a better place,” Jason said. He had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene had declined. It seemed

08:22

among women.

“Holly’s been asking me about that fire

conversation short. “It’s getting late. I’ll

first, Serene blushed and nodded, “Okay,

of Serene. Jason had a lot less to worry about on his end, and he no longer had to visit Serene’s place, sparing even

her new neighborhood, she finally turned to Jason. “I

“Yeah, she is.”

Jason, Serene added, “Between you and me, I’d rather see you

she might be 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

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

“Although I…” She trailed off before adding, “I just hope

arrived at her building, Jason said, “Here

said

Jason told her, “If you need help, go straight to

too much.”

back in the picture, but Serene had once saved

a firm nod, Serene replied, “Will do.”

car slowly disappeared from view, Serene continued to stand there, the cold wind chilling her face. She 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

Serene would rather look like Estrella than

was kind to Serene, gifting her with belongings and houses, all calculated

2/4

08:22 %

Holly was

pipe dream. She was nowhere near as clever

harbored a fleeting dream, but…

she was planning on returning home, for Serene to finally snap back to reality, retreating her gaze and thoughts

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