SWNOVELS Chapter 119
Chapter 119
After Paula placed the lunch on his desk, she pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down, leaning in conspiratorially. “Jason,
I’m working at the company now. Even though my brother is managing my shares, I’m the largest shareholder, holding the same
amount as he does.”
She’d been itching to boast about this to Jason for some time, but the right moment had never presented itself. What she hadn’t
considered was that Estrella was an only child. The entirety of Nelson International would be hers someday. If she wished, Cole
could transfer his shares to her right now.
“Congrats,” Jason uttered without much fanfare.
“Jason, the Lamonts and the Nelsons have always been tight. Grandpa approved of this project collaboration himself. Sure,
Estrella and I had our differences, but nothing could affect the bond between our families.
“And let’s face it. You’ve managed to move past Holly and now you’re with Estrella. So, one day, you’ll divorce Estrella and find
new love. I trust that someday you’ll see my worth, and truly appreciate who I am.”
Paula had always believed that she was destined to be with Jason, that she was the one meant to be by his side in the end. So
what if they were married? Divorces were a dime a dozen these days. She wouldn’t be surprised if theirs was around the corner.
Her confidence was unshaken.
Jason picked up the phone on his desk and dialed Drew, “Drew, bring a couple of security guys over.”
Paula was still clueless when Drew arrived with the guards. Seeing Paula, he promptly said, “Miss Paula, if you please.”
A puzzled Paula looked at Jason. “What’s this about, Jason?”
He ignored her, signaling Drew, who gestured to the guards. They lifted Paula from her seat. “My apologies, Miss Paula.”
“Jason!” she cried. Her voice trailed as she was taken away.
Once she was gone, Jason felt a sense of peace. Those who should seek him out didn’t, while the uninvited just kept showing
up.
Paula’s mention of the project weighed on Jason’s mind. He had to admit, Erin’s skills and capabilities surpassed those of his
father. The fact that Lamont Corporation could climb out of such a crisis and secure a partnership with the Nelsons spoke
volumes.
No sooner had Jason dealt with Paula than his phone buzzed. It was Keith. “Jason, bring Estrella over for dinner tonight,” came
Keith’s steady voice.
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08:42
“Sure,” Jason agreed.
In the evening, Estrella stepped out of her law firm to find Jason’s car waiting. The air was chilly, and he smoked a cigarette,
watching her approach.
Sliding into the passenger seat, Estrella quipped, “Showing off, aren’t we?”
Jason used to avoid her, but now there was no pretense. Estrella almost wondered if this was a different Jason altogether.
He tossed his cigarette, started the car, and announced, “We’re having dinner at the family estate.”
Estrella touched up her lipstick. “Got it. Kristin called me earlier.”
After she finished, Jason asked, “Trying to seduce someone?”
Estrella pursed her lips in the mirror, and then turned to Jason. “Of course you, Jason.”
His response was a playful pinch on her thigh.
Arriving at the estate, they were met by Kristin’s stern face. Something was off. Kristin usually greeted Estrella with joy, but today
her expression was unusual.
“Hey,” Estrella greeted. Kristin took her hand, warning, “The Lamonts are here. Just be prepared.”
Estrella smiled, understanding the tension. That explained Kristin’s nervousness.
After briefing Estrella, Kristin turned to Jason. Your grandfather wants to ease tensions Don’t be too stiff with him.”
Jason pocketed his hands. “Got it.”
Just then, a lively Paula bounced out. “Jason, you’re back!” Her smile faded when she Estrella, even rolling her eyes at her.
Estrella, unfazed, looped her arms through Jason’s. “Honey, how far is that hot spring mentioned? Maybe we should go for a
couple’s retreat this weekend.”
“Sounds good,” Jason agreed.
Kristin interpreted for Paula in the background, “Paula, you know how Jason is. If he likes someone, nothing else matters. Don’t
take it personally. Lovey-dovey couples are all like that. You’ll understand once you’re married.”
Kristin’s message was clear; My son’s not into you, and neither am I. He’s happy with Estrella, so find someone else and stop
cluttering the view.
Paula looked at Kristin with hurt in her eyes. “Don’t you like me?”
Kristin replied smoothly, “I didn’t say that. But like my son, I only have eyes for Estrella, my daughter-in-law.”
2/3
08-12
Kristin’s words struck Paula hard. She had thought winning over Keith would make her beloved by all the Nelsons, but the harsh
reality was that the Nelson family’s affection for her was lukewarm at best.
In truth, Keith wasn’t particularly smitten with her. It was just that the old men from both families had served together in the
military, so their bond, forged in the trenches, ran deep. This meant that wherever help could be extended, it would be.
“Estrella, Jason.” The group entered the house, and Erin rose courteously to greet them.
Today, Garrett had brought only Erin and Paula, sparing everyone the presence of his good-for-nothing son. At the company,
Hunter had been rendered powerless, and his influence was completely hollowed out by Erin
With Estrella and Jason’s arrival, dinner commenced.
The chef at home was invited from a five-star hotel, so the evening’s fare was nothing
short of tavish.
Keith’s intent for the evening was to smooth over any friction between Estrella and the Lamont family, and foster a mutual help
between Jason and Erin in the future.
Jason thought it unnecessary. He didn’t need anyone’s help, but he was willing to give Keith the respect due to an old family
friend.
“Through the years, the bond between the Lamonts and the Nelsons has always been strong. I hope that Jason and Erin
continue this friendship, each shining a light on Ravenwood through their endeavors,” Keith toasted.
“Absolutely. Jason and Erin are sure to outshine our generation,” cheered someone from
the Nelson side.
During the course of the dinner, Estrella remained silent, focusing on her meal. No need for her to chime in at such gatherings.
Midway, as she stood to make her way to the restroom, Erin unexpectedly followed. Estrella caught Erin’s eye in the mirror, and
with a dismissive laugh she said, “Bold of yo to shadow me here, in Nelson territory, Erin.”
Erin stepped closer, almost brushing against Estrella. “Thanks for praising me.” He paused, and then added, “But seriously, my
dad’s early retirement owes much to your...
assistance.”
From not too far off, another figure approached, but upon seeing the two of them together, she halted abruptly.