Chapter 34 Shattered Illusions
Quinton grinned and pointed to his lips. “Then kiss me. Ten seconds.”
Estella stared at him in disbelief, clearly never expecting him to make such an outrageous demand.
Isabelle pretended to intervene. “Quinton, isn’t that going a bit too far?”
But Quinton laughed. “Didn’t Nathaniel divorce Estella? What, Nathaniel, you don’t want to see us kiss?”
Nathaniel looked at Estella.
He didn’t step in to stop it.
He was waiting–waiting for Estella to ask him for help.
As long as she did, he’d intervene right away.
But Estella had no intention of asking for help.
She responded coldly, “I refuse.”
Quinton scoffed. “Can’t handle it? Or are you just disgusted by me?”
Seeing that Nathaniel wasn’t lifting a finger to help her, Quinton grew bolder. “It’s just a kiss. Don’t be so stingy.”
As he finished, he suddenly grabbed the back of Estella’s head, trying to force the kiss on her.
Finished
The stench of alcohol hit her hard. Seeing Nathaniel doing nothing, Estella was so furious she grabbed a wine bottle and smashed it over Quinton’s head.
The bottle shattered.
Blood splattered from the gash on Quinton’s forehead.
Enraged and humiliated, he raised his hand to strike her. “You crazy bitch! You hit me with a bottle?!”
But before his hand could fall, someone caught it.
Quinton turned, ready to curse, but when he saw who it was, his words caught in his throat.
It was Jonathan–Javerton’s most renowned attorney.
The Clocke family had recently run into legal trouble, and even after throwing around a fortune, Quinton’s father had failed to get Jonathan to take their case.
It was only through powerful connections that Jonathan finally agreed.
Since the lawsuit hadn’t been resolved yet, Quinton didn’t dare offend him.
Now, seeing Jonathan stand up for Estella, he instantly guessed that Jonathan must like her and quickly changed his tune. “Misunderstanding, it’s all just a misunderstanding!”
Jonathan sneered. “I didn’t realize Mr. Quinton had a habit of hitting women. Looks like I’ll need to have a chat with your father about your upbringing.”
Quinton wilted, lowering his head and saying nothing.
The Clocke family’s future still depended on Jonathan. No matter how humiliated he felt, he didn’t dare say a word.
Jonathan pulled a check from his sleeve, scribbled a number, and tossed it at Quinton.
For your medical bills. On Estella’s behalf.”
“N–No, I couldn’t…”
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Chapter 34 Ghattered Illusions
Quinton didn’t dare take the money.
Ignoring him, Jonathan took off his jacket, draped it over Estella’s shoulders, and took her hand to leave.
But Nathaniel stepped in with a stormy expression, blocking their path.
“Where do you think you’re taking Estella?”
Jonathan met his gaze head–on.
Sparks flew instantly.
“And what business is it of yours, Mr. Nathaniel?”
“I’m her ex–husband! Of course I have a say!” Nathaniel growled.
finished
Jonathan chuckled. “Oh, you remember that you’re the ex? Legally, you two have nothing to do with each other. Are you sure you’re qualified to interfere with Estella’s freedom?”
Nathaniel turned to Estella, fuming. “You’re really going to leave with him? Estella, do you have any shame? Didn’t you love me? Why are you getting involved with someone else?”
Estella didn’t hesitate–she slapped him across the face.
She had held back long enough. No more.
“You hit me?!” Nathaniel’s eyes turned bloodshot. “Estella, have I spoiled you too much?!”
“And how exactly have you spoiled me? When I was being harassed by Quinton just now, what did you do? You just stood there and watched.”
Her words cut into him like a blade.
Nathaniel tried to explain. “No, that’s not what happened, I just…”
Estella interrupted. “Nathaniel, you keep saying I still love you. But I honestly don’t understand–what is there to love about someone like you? You’re disloyal, abusive, and you didn’t even lift a finger to protect me. Why would I ever love a man like that?”
Nathaniel was left speechless.
Estella didn’t want to get entangled with him anymore. She grabbed Jonathan’s hand and left the room.
Isabelle watched Nathaniel with a concerned look. “Nathaniel, stop being sad over Estella. She’s not the same person anymore. She’s not worth your devotion.”
Nathaniel clenched his fists.
He didn’t believe Estella didn’t love him
anymore.
She must be using Jonathan to provoke him.
This was all just a tactic–playing hard to get.
He wasn’t going to give up on Estella.
After such a mess, Estella had no interest in finishing dinner.
She went to the front desk to pay, only to find Jonathan had already taken care of it.
She turned to him. “I thought I was treating you. Why did you-”
Jonathan smiled lightly. “Then treat me next time.”
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Chapter 34 Shattered Illusions
Estella agreed and left the restaurant with him.
She rode back in Jonathan’s car.
Finished
As they drove. Jonathan asked, “Now that you’ve earned a place in the Symphony Band, I assume you’ll be resigning from your job soon?”
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