Chapter 28 Come Over for Dinner
Jonathan felt somewhat reassured after hearing that.
It seemed Estella had a strong chance of joining the orchestra.
“No matter what, I have to thank you, Mr. Chase. A toast to you.”
Finished
Chase smiled and raised his glass, thinking to himself that it wouldn’t be long before he attended Jonathan’s wedding.
If Estella and Jonathan ended up together, it would be a good thing.
On the way back, Chase turned to his assistant, Zayn Leville. “Check the recruitment forms. See if there’s a girl named Estella Hayes.”
Zayn pulled out his tablet, scanned the list, and quickly responded, “Mr. Chase, there’s no one by that name on the registration forms.”
Chase was surprised. “Did she forget to sign up? Never mind. Just add her name to the list. I’ll have Jonathan remind her to participate.”
“Understood, Mr. Chase.”
After returning from the hospital, Estella ran into Jonathan, who was out walking his dog.
Bailey perked up at the sight of her, bounding over with enthusiasm.
Estella crouched down with a smile and played with him for a while.
Jonathan had just gotten off the phone with Chase. He asked, “Estella, did you sign up for Mr. Chase’s orchestra auditions?”
Estella nodded. “I did. Why?”
Jonathan replied, “Nothing, just making sure.”
He was about to take Bailey home, but the dog refused to budge, lingering by Estella’s side as if unwilling to part with her.
Estella laughed and suggested, “Mr. Bennett, why don’t you come over for dinner?”
Jonathan considered for a moment before agreeing.
When Bailey entered Estella’s home, he trotted straight to the small blanket in front of the couch, as if it were his designated spot.
Estella retrieved two bottles of yogurt from the fridge, handing Jonathan the strawberry–flavored one.
Since they often ate together, she had come to notice his preferences.
He had an undeniable fondness for strawberries and anything strawberry–flavored.
The contrast between Jonathan’s usual seriousness and his unexpectedly childlike taste amused her.
“Thanks.”
Jonathan wasn’t one to idly scan his surroundings when visiting someone’s home. He simply sat down, opened the yogurt, and drank it quietly.
Estella prepared a simple meal, onion beef stew, cheese–baked broccoli with ham, blanched greens, and two servings of Potato salad.
Jonathan noticed that she barely touched her food and asked, “Are you on a diet?”
Estella chuckled and shook her head. “No, I’m going to the gym later, so I’m eating light.”
Ever since Jonathan had suggested she exercise more, she had signed up for a gym membership nearby.
Chapter 28 Come Over for Dinner
Jonathan had unfinished work to handle, so he couldn’t go with her tonight.
He nodded. “You should work out more. It’ll help keep you healthy.”
After finishing her meal, Estella was about to do the dishes, but Jonathan took over the task without a word.
Once he was done, he took Bailey and left.
Estella rested for a bit before heading to the gym.
It was her first time there, and her striking features quickly drew the attention of several men.
One of them, bolder than the rest, approached her.
“Are you
here alone? Let’s get to know each other. I’m Chadwick Knox.”
Estella gave him a brief nod, showing no interest in conversation.
However, Chadwick was undeterred and continued trying to chat with her.
Finished
The gym owner was familiar with Jonathan and had seen him and Estella walking together in the neighborhood before.
Assuming Jonathan was her boyfriend, he discreetly took a photo of Chadwick pestering her and sent it to Jonathan.
Jonathan was reviewing case files when his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen, his brows knitting together.
Without hesitation, he grabbed his coat and headed out.
Meanwhile, Estella grew increasingly frustrated as Chadwick’s persistent chatter made it impossible to focus on her workout.
Losing patience, she decided to leave.
Yet Chadwick followed her. “Come on, give me your number. We can work out together sometime.”
Coming from a wealthy family, he was accustomed to getting what he wanted and believed he had what it took to win over any woman.
ཁ་ཡ
Estella’s tone turned ice–cold. “Sorry, I’m leaving!
Chadwick, annoyed by her indifference, grabbed her wrist and smirked arrogantly. “Don’t be so cold, beautiful. Let’s be friends and have some fun together.”
Just as Estella was about to yank her hand away, someone suddenly seized Chadwick’s arm and wrenched him backward.
She turned and found herself face–to–face with Jonathan.
Jonathan positioned himself between her and Chadwick, shielding her.
Chadwick scowled, irritated that someone had interrupted him.
But the moment he recognized Jonathan, the arrogance drained from his face.
His brother worked at Luminary Partners & Co., so he was well aware of who Jonathan was.
Lowering his head in a hurry, he stammered, “Oh, Mr. Bennett, so she’s with you? My bad, this is my fault. I ran my mouth. I’ll leave right away!”
With that, he gave Estella a deep bow before slinking away in embarrassment.
Estella turned to Jonathan and smiled, revealing two charming dimples.
The Invisible Wife Turned Savage