Chapter 254
On her way back to the Royal Mansion, Estelle got a call from Jonathan, asking if she’d returned home yet. He had a social engagement and
would be home late.
Estelle said she would be home soon, and that he shouldn’t worry.
Jonathan could hear her somber tone, so instead of immediately hanging up, he stepped away from the dinner table and out of the private room to ask her what was wrong.
Estelle was surprised by Jonathan’s sensitivity, and she quickly replied, “I’m alright, just a bit tired.”
“You should take a bath when you get back and get some rest,” Jonathan gently advised.
“Okay, you go back to your thing, I’ll hang up now!”
Estelle hung up, and the taxi arrived at the entrance of the Royal Mansion. She paid the fare and got out.
After taking a shower at home, Estelle received a call from Norah, who sounded more light–hearted. “I met with Nicolas again, and we talked a lot.”
On her way home, Norah had gotten a call from Nicolas, who wanted to see her. They agreed to meet at the coffee shop that they usually went.
“How did he explain it?” Estelle asked.
Norah replied, “He said Leah is indeed his cousin, and he works at his uncle’s company. Today, Leah sneaked out to follow him, and Nicolas had no idea.”
With a faint voice, Estelle asked, “That’s all? Can’t he see that Leah likes him?”
“He knows, but he said there’s nothing between them, and he doesn’t like Leah. His mother is sick and she needs money for treatment. He said his performance this month has been great, and he’ll quit after working for two more months and getting the bonus. He won’t have anything to do with Leah after that.”
Nicolas‘ sincerity convinced Norah, and she forgave him for what happened earlier.
Nicolas worked hard and excelled at his job, so it was inevitable that he’d be pursued by other girls. She would and should trust him!
Estelle asked, “If, and I mean if, Nicolas gets together with Leah because of money, would you reveal your true identity to win him back?”
Estelle’s sharp question made Norah hesitate for a moment, but eventually, she firmly replied, “No!”
She hid her family background to avoid putting psychological pressure on Nicolas during their relationship. She wanted a simple romance and insisted on depending on their own efforts to build a life together, rather than labeling him as a rent–boy.
She knew he worked hard, both in school and at work. He had his pride and self–esteem, and that was why she was attracted to him. Their love
was pure.
Even if he were to abandon her for money one day, the love she wanted would no longer exist, so what would be the point in holding onto him?
“I know it’s unlikely, but keep your distance from him until he leaves the Burke family,” Estelle advised.
Norah knew what Estelle meant, so she replied awkwardly, “Okay, I will. And please keep my secret and don’t tell anyone.”
Her family already knew that she was dating someone, but she had repeatedly emphasized that she was an adult and had the right to freely choose her partner, so her family did not interfere. But if they found out about Nicolas‘ situation, it would cause a huge mess, especially with her grandma and uncle. They might even thoroughly investigate Nicolas‘ background, making it impossible for him to stay in J City!
Estelle promised her, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
After talking for a few more minutes, they said good night to each other and hung up the phone.
Estelle felt that Norah wasn’t blinded by love – she was rational and knew what to do, so she didn’t ask any more questions.
However, the next day, she received a call from a stranger.
“You’re Estelle, right? Are you bored or so bitter because some guy dumped you that you want to wreck other people’s relationships?”
Only after Estelle heard her words did she realize that the voice sounded familiar, it was Leah, whom she had met two days ago.
Leah continued, “I did my research, so I know you work at Midnight Bar. No wonder you don’t look like a decent person. Norah must be just like you, right? Pretending to be innocent and cheating on my cousin!”
On that day when Norah confronted Nicolas about what happened in the private room of Midnight Bar, she didn’t mention that it was Estelle who told her. Later, when Nicolas questioned Leah, she wasn’t so naive to let it go. She checked everyone who went there that day but found no clue. Then someone told her that maybe a waitress saw something and spread rumors.
She went to Midnight Bar, checked the staff photos, and found Estelle. Suddenly, it all made sense!
Indeed, she was pursuing Nicolas, but he couldn’t let Norah go, so she didn’t dare to pressure him for the time being.
With an indifferent tone, Estelle said, “I have nothing to say to you!”
11:58
Leah coldly threatened, “You better watch out. I’ll take care of you!”
