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.”

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

had offered Serene a new place before Holly’s return, but Serene had declined. It seemed that communication

been asking me about that fire from years

cut the conversation short. “It’s getting late.

Serene blushed and

Holly returned, she 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

As they approached her new

“Yeah, she is.”

at Jason, Serene added, “Between you and me,

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 short not to spend it with the

might think he loved Holly. Serene might be the

I…” She trailed off

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

the ride,” Serene said as she unbuckled her

you need help, go

but

a firm nod, Serene

or only pretending, Holly’s decision

rather look like Estrella than

and houses, all calculated moves to keep her at bay from Jason. Holly was grossly overestimating her. Given Serene’s background, a relationship with Jason

harbored a

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