Chapter 39 The Final Straw
Estella wanted nothing more than to throw another glass of water in his face.
Finished
She stared coldly at him. “You want to know why the maids at the old house disrespected me? It’s because you treated me like a servant. That’s why they looked down on me. And do you remember how I had to write a request form every time I needed money from you? Do you know how humiliating it was to stand there, waiting for your signature like a beggar? As for having a child- she let out a bitter laugh, “you really think after everything, after divorce, I’d still want to have your child?”
She ripped away every last shred of his fake kindness.
Nathaniel’s face twisted in fury. “Estella, I’m doing this for your own good! Why can’t you see that?”
But Estella hadn’t come today to revisit old wounds.
She cut straight to the point. You had me kidnapped. You arranged it all. Now tell me, what do you think would happen if I went to the press with the headline Hartwell Group CEO Hires Thugs to Kidnap His Ex–Wife? Think your stock price would survive the week?”
You wouldn’t dare!”
Nathaniel’s voice sharpened instantly, breath heavy with panic.
She raised an eyebrow. “Try me. But I’ll keep it quiet–for ten million.”
She wasn’t leaving until he bled.
Ten million wasn’t small change–and being blackmailed didn’t sit well with Nathaniel.
But to keep her silent, he had no choice. He pulled out a checkbook and scribbled the amount.
Estella took the check and walked out without looking back, as if the argument had been a one–sided fantasy playing out in Nathaniel’s head.
He was furious–yet couldn’t find a single excuse to make her stay. And deep down, he knew Estella was never coming back.
He used to hate when she came to the company. Hated hearing her voice. Even her breathing annoyed him.
But now that she was gone–truly gone, putting her heart into her work, surrounded by other men–he found himself consumed with restless fury.
Only one thought echoed in his mind: I have to get her back.
Even if he had to use underhanded means–he wouldn’t let her go.
He slammed a fist onto the desk, furious at himself for not seeing her slipping away sooner.
Outside, Estella stepped out of the Hartwell Group building.
Between Isabelle and Nathaniel, she had collected thirteen million.
She decided to keep one million–and donate the rest.
After taking a cab back to the orchestra, she headed straight to Chase’s office.
Seeing her, Chase immediately asked with concern, “I heard what happened last night. Are you alright? Do you need to take some time off?”
Estella felt a pang of guilt. “I missed the performance last night. I must’ve caused you a lot of trouble. I’ll accept any punishment–please don’t fire me.”
“It’s not that serious,” Chase said reassuringly. “There’s been some pressure, yes. Some people want you gone. But I respect your talent–and I know what happened wasn’t your fault. I’m not going to fire you. However, you will be suspended from performing for a year. Can you accept that?”
1/2
Fulshed
Format Thank you At Chi
tha tarat fra siya, de renamed to the orchestra, but things were worse than ever.
we put a dead rat and crushes in her locker
actice, other members would find excuses to shut her out.
Avvet at luth, they wonki bidentally knock over her tray.
Before they had just ignores her
Now & was full–on bullying.
And she knew exactly who was behind it.
No case ball Kabelle.
She went to confront her directly
isabelle was laughing and chatting with a few members when Estella approached. She didn’t hesitate to agree to a private talk.
The twe walked into the hallway.
Estella got straight to the point. You’re the one spreading rumors about me, turning the others against me. Aren’t you?”
Isabelle twirled a strand of hair and smiled. “Got proof? Didn’t you miss an important concert? That damaged the orchestra’s image. It’s only natural people don’t like you now.”
Estella’s gaze sharpened. “You and I both know why I missed that concert.”
Isabelle put on her innocent act. I have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re just not committed enough–that’s why no one likes you
Estella said nothing more. She simply took out her phone and hit play.
From the speaker, Isabelle’s own voice rang out–clear and incriminating–talking with the kidnappers about filming Estella’s
nude video
Isabelle’s face drained of color.
T–You–how do you have that
She had panicked when she heard the kidnappers had been arrested. She’d even spent money trying to keep them quiet.
When everything seemed to calm down, she thought the danger had passed.
She never imagined Estella had been holding onto a recording this entire time.
Send Gifts
