Chapter 15 Smashing It Over His Head
Isabelle, who had been left behind, was filled with anger and ordered the driver to take her home.
That evening, she called Nathaniel more than ten times.
Finally, after a long wait, Nathaniel answered.
Finished
Unable to control her dissatisfaction, she forgot her usual facade and snapped, “Nate, why didn’t you answer my calls? Did you go find Estella? She’s divorced from you, why are you still thinking about her?”
Nathaniel, already troubled by Estella, was irritated by Isabelle’s questioning. His tone became sharp, “I never agreed to divorce Estella. Her one–sided decision doesn’t count. And who I think about is my business! Are you overstepping by interfering with me this much?”
Nathaniel did like Isabelle, but that feeling wasn’t as intense as it had been when they were younger.
Isabelle sensed this and had been careful since returning to the country, staying gentle and thoughtful to hold on to Nathaniel using the sweet memories of their first love.
Realizing Nathaniel’s indifference, she immediately changed her tone, speaking softly, “It’s my fault, Nate, please don’t blame me. When you left me earlier, I thought you were going to find Estella. I couldn’t control my jealousy and spoke to you like that. I won’t do it again, can you forgive me?”
Nathaniel, seeing that she cared about him, had his anger dissipate. He patiently comforted her, “Today was my fault. I shouldn’t have left you. In a few days, I’ll buy you a new bag to make up for it. I’m a bit tired today, so I won’t come to your place.”
“Okay, I understand. Rest well, Nate.”
After hanging up, Isabelle grew angrier as she thought about it.
She immediately called her assistant, instructing him to find out where Estella was living and working.
When she learned that Estella was working at Serenade Music Hub, she was surprised.
Her best friend happened to be the owner of Serenade Music Hub.
She called her friend directly and asked to be appointed as the director at Serenade Music Hub. Her friend agreed immediately and called HR to arrange it.
The next day, when Estella came to work, she overheard colleagues discussing the new director who had started that day.
When the HR manager brought the new director over, Estella was shocked to see that it was Isabelle.
She gritted her teeth.
Isabelle was obviously here for her.
But she couldn’t understand why, now that she and Nathaniel were divorced and Isabelle could become Mrs. Hartwell, Isabelle still chose to come after her.
Isabelle confidently introduced herself and mentioned that she would treat everyone to dinner that night.
Everyone praised her, speaking highly of Isabelle.
Isabelle gave Estella a meaningful glance before calling Jocelyn into her office.
She had inquired earlier with the HR manager and learned that Jocelyn didn’t get along with Estella.
Seeing that the new director valued her attention, Jocelyn eagerly attached herself to Isabelle.
After learning about the grudge between Isabelle and Estella, Jocelyn eagerly shared all the details about Estella’s past affairs, adding her own embellishments.
“Hunter?”
1/4
320 PM
Chapter 15 Smashing It Over His Head
Isabelle recalled the man she had briefly met at the coffee shop.
It looks like he’s the one trying to pursue Estella.
Finished
She instructed her team to investigate Hunter and learned that he was a well–known playboy in Javerton who would never let go of his prey.
Isabelle’s smile twisted with malice. Since Estella had dared to compete for Nathaniel, she would no longer hold back.
Before the dinner, Estella was suddenly called by the HR manager and had a long conversation before being allowed to leave.
Someone in the group tagged her, urging her to hurry up.
Estella quickly took a cab over.
When she arrived at the private room, she found it empty. Just as she was about to ask in the group chat what was going on, a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.
She turned around and saw a drunken Hunter.
Hunter grinned when he saw her, “Ms. Hayes, have you changed your mind? Well, I told you, no woman can resist the temptation of money. Come with me. If you stay with me tonight, I’ll transfer you 2,700 dollars right now.”
Estella, unable to match his strength, was dragged into the room.
She struggled but couldn’t break free from his grip.
Hunter, towering over her, pressed his body against hers.
She tried to escape, but he held her tightly in his arms.
Fighting back panic, she tried to call for help.
Hunter snatched her phone away and threw it aside.
Countless kisses rained down on her.
Estella turned her head, avoiding his alcohol–laden kiss. His breath made her feel sick.
As he continued to pull at her shirt, Estella, unable to resist, groped for something on the table. Finally, she grabbed a wine bottle and, without hesitation, smashed it over Hunter’s head.
Hunter fell unconscious.
That night, Estella was taken to the police station.
Selene quickly brought her lawyer friend, Lana Caldwell, to bail her out.
When Hunter woke up, he refused to settle privately.
He was also a prominent figure in Javerton, so the police had to show him some respect.
Selene and Lana talked to him for a long time, and finally, Hunter made a demand. Either Estella paid a 140,000–dollar compensation, or she became his girlfriend, or this matter couldn’t be resolved.
Estella knew that getting involved with such a person would lead to endless trouble for her in the future. Resolutely, she tried to transfer the 140,000 dollars that Madeline gave her to that scoundrel.
But when she opened her banking app, she found that the money had been frozen.
She was somewhat incredulous, and after trembling for a moment, she removed Nathaniel from her blacklist and called him.
2/4
3:20 PM P P
Chapter 15 Smashing It Over His Head
On the other end of the phone, Nathaniel’s hoarse voice came through. “Hello?”
Estella gripped the phone, her voice full of anger. “Did you freeze the money in my account?”
Nathaniel had just barely fallen asleep but was fully awake by now when he heard her voice.
Finished
He sat up and took a negotiating stance as he spoke to his ex–wife. “Yes, I froze it, Estella. If you want the money, marry me again. How much do you want? We can talk.”
Estella didn’t expect him to be so shameless.
She had been with him for three years according to their contract, working herself to the bone to take care of him.
When they divorced, she didn’t ask for any of his assets.
This small compensation was a tiny fraction of his wealth.
And yet, he wanted to take it back.
She directly cursed, “Nathaniel, dream on!” She
She hung up the phone.
Selene asked from outside, “How is it, Stella? Do you want me to lend you some money?”
Estella would never accept her money.
She shook her head. “No, it’s self–defense. Even if it goes to court, I’m not afraid.”
Lana frowned. “But if this case isn’t resolved now, you won’t be able to leave tonight.”
She thought for a moment and said, “How about I call my boss? If he can help, you won’t have to stay here tonight.”
She then made a call.
The person on the other end initially rejected coldly.
But when he heard Lana mention it was a teacher from Serenade Music Hub, he asked, “What’s her name?”
Lana was surprised that her boss would even be curious about Estella’s name, but she told him honestly.
She didn’t expect much from her boss coming over.
But to her surprise, the usually aloof boss agreed.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.”
Lana hung up the phone, her face filled with disbelief.
I actually got Mr. Bennett to come? Am I dreaming?
Estella didn’t expect that the boss Lana spoke of was Jonathan.
After Jonathan negotiated with the police, she was released.
Standing at the police station entrance, Estella wasn’t sure what to say to Jonathan.
Selene, upon learning they lived in the same neighborhood and noticing the way Jonathan looked at Estella, which was far from innocent, immediately tactfully said, “Mr. Bennett, would you mind taking Stella home? Lana and I will head out first.
With that, she quickly pulled Lana away.
Jonathan noticed that one of the top buttons on Estella’s shirt had fallen off, so he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“Let’s go home.”
