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.

said. He had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene

08:22

among women.

remembered something. “Holly’s been asking me about that fire from years ago. She’s been digging for details. Do you have any

mention of the fire, Jason cut the conversation short. “It’s getting late. I’ll drive you

at first, Serene blushed and nodded, “Okay, thank you,

After Holly returned, she took over all the responsibilities of taking care of Serene. Jason had a lot less

as well. As they approached her new

“Yeah, she is.”

added, “Between you and me, I’d

“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

Serene. The whole world might think he loved Holly. Serene might be the

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

at her building, Jason said, “Here we are.”

thanks for the ride,” Serene said as she unbuckled

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

too much.”

picture, but Serene had once saved his life.

a firm nod, Serene replied,

Holly was truly dead or only pretending, Holly’s decision to

rather look like Estrella than Holly.

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

2/4

08:22 %

Holly was grossly overestimating her. Given

was merely a pipe dream. She was nowhere near as clever as Estrella and lacked the emotional

harbored a

cold wind 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 ascended the stairs to go

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