fanqie novel
Chapter 107
Korey’s words nearly sent Kristin into a fit of rage that could’ve flipped the dinner table
over.
“That no-good son of a gun,” she fumed to herself. Such brazen audacity right under her nose! No doubt he had been scheming to woo Estrella behind the Nelsons’ backs. He must’ve been hell-bent on poaching her.
Despite the storm brewing inside of her, Kristin managed to quell her fury and said with a feigned smile, “Fine, I’ll keep an eye out for you!”
She’s definitely gonna find a girl to give him a run for his money.
Estrella, at the side, rubbed her temples as she watched the silent battle between Kristin and Korey. By the time the rather unpleasant dinner ended around 8:30 PM, Estrella finally breathed a sigh of relief. The charade was over for the day.
In the backseat of the car, Kristin glared at the taillights of the vehicle ahead and said irritably, “Estrella, Korey’s up to no good. You need to keep your distance from him.”
Estrella replied with a touch of exasperation, “Korey’s just messing with you. He doesn’t have those kinds of intentions. He only did that to rile up Jason after seeing us argue.”
Kristin wasn’t buying it. “That’s what he told you, right? You’re still too naive, Estrella. You don’t understand men. He’s playing reverse psychology to lower your guard so he can get close to you. That’s a classic move. Don’t fall for it.”
“Okay, I got it,” Estrella conceded.
Kristin had spoken, and what more could she say? Besides, any objection would only lead to a night of endless nagging.
In the leading vehicle, Blake turned to Korey with a puzzled look. “Korey, you’re not known for stirring the pot like this. Why’d you go head-to-head with Ms, Kristin today?”
With a faint smile, Korey replied, “People only treasure what they have when someone else shows interest.” He just wanted Estrella to feel valued, to have a better life. His thoughts drifted to Holly, and his expression turned solemn, reflecting the weight on his mind.
Half an hour later, when Kristin and Estrella arrived at Sandalwood Oasis, Kristin immediately called Jason upon noticing his absence, “Jason, why aren’t you home yet? Do you even have a sense of time?”
Jason, listening to his mother’s explosive tone, said, “I had a business engagement. I’ll be
home late.”
Kristin let out a sardonic laugh, “Your wife’s almost getting snatched away, and you still have the mood for socializing?”
08:14
In the past, it was always Kristin who rallied Estrella to catch cheaters red-handed. Today, she finally made that call to her son, urging him to stay alert.
On the other end, Jason’s voice grew stern, “What happened?”
Kristin recounted her encounter with Korey, “We ran into Korey at the department store, and he invited Estrella and me for dinner, blatantly flirting with Estrella in my presence.”
Before she could finish, Jason cut in, “Mom, I get it.”
“Don’t get too caught up in the glitz and glamour. Come home early.” Kristin advised. Jason hung up, irked by the implication that he was neglecting Estrella.
Ending the call, Jason looked at Drew, “Forget the other appointment. Head back to Sandalwood Oasis.”
“Right away, Mr. Jason,” Drew replied without hesitation, though internally he was puzzled by the sudden change in Jason’s mood. It had to be related to Ms. Estrella.
Drew had been with Jason for years and knew that despite Jason’s aloof demeanor, he was always quick to respond to anything concerning Estrella. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
Twenty minutes later, as Jason entered the house with a cold expression, he found Estrella chatting with Kristin.
Kristin had insisted on calling Jason, arguing that a woman shouldn’t be too sensible and must keep her man on his toes.
Upon entering, Jason, with a hint of sarcasm, queried Kristin, “Estrella’s been up to no good?”
As Estrella playfully hurled a cushion at him, she retorted, “What, you rushed back to catch me in the act?”
Jason caught the cushion, stepped closer, and gently grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, “I’ll deal with you after I hear Mom out.”
Kristin, disapproving of Jason’s domineering approach, slapped his arm twice, “Is this how you treat your wife? She’ll be snatched away if you’re not careful.”
Unfazed, Jason settled beside Kristin and quipped, “From what you’re saying, you must’ve met someone who knows how to pamper his wife. Do tell, so I can learn a thing or two.”
As Kristin began to vividly recount their encounter with Korey, embellishing the details for effect, Jason listened intently. Sometimes, the truth was stranger than fiction, even seasoned with a pinch of exaggeration.
Estrella casually cracked open a pack of snack as she listened to Kristin spin a yarn about her and Korey. Estrella’s demeanor was as if she was hearing a third person’s tale, unaffected and calm, without a ripple of concern.
Jason’s expression shifted like an ever-changing tapestry.
After Kristin had been talking for a while, Estrella handed her a glass of water. Kristin took a sip and said, “Jason, I don’t mean to nag as your mother, but when it comes to being tender and attentive to your wife, you truly fall short. There’s definitely room for improvement. Otherwise, if some other man out there is doing right by her, what guarantee do you have that your woman’s heart won’t wander?”
Jason adjusted his tie and chuckled, “Is that so?”
They just had sex the night before, and already today, Estrella found herself being courted. She really did have an irresistible charm.
After a brief laugh, Jason’s gaze shifted lightly to Marie and he inquired, “Marie, is our late-night snack ready?”
“Mr. Jason, everything’s all set,” Marie confirmed.
With the late-night snack announced, Jason turned to look at Estrella.