30 Days Till I Divorce My Husband

Chapter 15

Kristin didn’t miss a beat. “That Serene’s all over Jason like white on rice, just trying to squeeze a buck out of him. She wants cash, so let’s just cut her a check and be done with it. So, Estrella, you take this check to her, tell her to pack up her mama and little brother, and hit the road out of Ravenwood. Otherwise, she can kiss any hopes of a payday from Jason goodbye.”

Looking at the twenty million dollar check from Kristin, Estrella was amused. Kristin was usually sharp as a tack, but now? She seemed to have lost her marbles.

“If I go to Serene with this, it’s like throwing myself into the lion’s den. She won’t take the money. She won’t leave Ravenwood.”

If she really took this check to Serene, it would be tantamount to digging her own grave fast-tracking her divorce from Jason. And she hadn’t even had babies yet.

But Kristin was adamant. “Listen Estrella, trust me on this. It’s foolproof. Give the check to Serene. I’ll follow up with her. She’ll crack under the pressure. Where else is she going to get twenty million? How else will she support her mom and brother?”

“This is…”

Before Estrella could finish, Kristin cut her off. ‘Estrella, you’re too honest for your own good. That Serene’s got more tricks up her sleeve than a magician. You won’t beat her at her own game.”

Seeing Kristin all worked up, Estrella decided not to argue any further. It wasn’t about outplaying Serene; it was that Jason’s heart wasn’t with her. The more she flailed, the worse it got. In this game, the referee was biased.

“Estrella.”

Kristin called out again, snapping Estrella back to reality. Estrella took the check and said. “Alright, I’ll take care of it.”

Kristin was so persistent, Estrella figured she’d better play along. Otherwise, if Kristin took matters into her own hands, things would only get uglier. Making a scene would tarnish both her reputation and that of the Nelsons.

Having accepted Kristin’s check, Estrella arranged to meet with Serene the next day.

In the café, she didn’t beat around the bush with Serene, just told her to take the money and get her family out of here.

Serene just sat there, ashen-faced, wordless.

By the time lunch rolled

through. “Ms. Estrella, Mr. Jason would

to stop by the office this afternoon.”

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Chapter 15

Estrella couldn’t help but chuckle wryly. She had

see her.

why Jason

enough, half an hour later, when she swung open the door to Jason’s office, there was

in, cool as a cucumber, to find Jason slamming the morning’s check down in front of

tossed the check, Serene quickly jumped in with a tearful explanation. “Estrella, there’s nothing between Jason and

took a seat across from Jason, crossed

write me a check for twenty mil? I’ll

made Jason’s expression darkened.

aback, whispered to Estrella, “It’s only twenty million.”

Estrella

a faint smile, “Your love with him

how he’d stood her up to

and even the most patient soul would grow weary

when she handed over that check, ready for Jason to make a

After a long stare, he turned to Serene. “You can go

“Jason, Estrella didn’t mean it. It’s just a misunderstanding. Don’t fight with her, just explain and it’ll be fine.” After some parting

back. Serene never admitted it, but she envied Estrella. Only Estrella could stir Jason’s emotions, and make him care. Even if it was just

in the office, Estrella pocketed the check Jason had slammed down.

15:21

Chapter