Web Fic
Chapter 162
Megan leaned across the desk, her eyes imploring as she spoke to Ms. Estrella. “I know, I know, just snag me a little more time, okay? And I have this gut feeling-if you’re the one to handle my case, even Jackson will crumble. You’ve got the gift of gab, Ms. Estrella.”
Estrella’s reputation preceded her. Megan had been keeping tabs on her cases, especially the high- stakes ones involving Nick and Lexi. She had complete faith in Estrella’s expertise, which was why she sought her out in the first place.
Sensing Megan’s determination, Estrella relented with a sigh, “Alright, I’ll see what I can do to buy you some time.”
Megan’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Ms. Estrella.” After a flurry of thanks, Megan registered her details with the paralegal before heading out.
Once Megan left, Ms. Estrella picked up the documents and let out a long, weary breath. It seemed she was on her way to being pegged as the go-to divorce attorney in town. “Ms, Estrella, looks like you’re not hurting for clients these days,” a colleague teased. “Yeah, Ms. Estrella, you’re practically the queen of divorce court now,” another chimed in. NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.
“I could use a few earth-shattering cases to shake things up a bit.” Estrella half-joked, half-pleaded.
Logan emerged from his office overhearing her. “Estrella, those cases with Ryan, Lexi, and Nick, they’re all criminal cases. You’re just so well-known now that everyone’s coming to you. But remember, it’s not about the size of the case.”
“Hi,” she greeted him, along with the rest of the team.
Logan waved everyone back to their seats with a casual gesture and continued, “Each case that comes to Justice Guardians LLP is a testament to our clients’ trust in us. We need to handle every case with fairness and integrity.”
“We got it.”
“Understood.”
After the team’s affirmations, Logan turned back to Estrella. “You’re making great strides, Estrella. Keep up the good work.”
“Will do.”
Once Logan retreated to his office, Estrella settled back at her desk to dive into Megan’s case. Later in the afternoon, after wrapping up a contract dispute from the previous week, Jesse called to invite her out to dinner.
At the restaurant, Estrella inquired with a hint of surprise, “Where’s Bryce? Why didn’t he come with you?”
11:38
Jesse said, “He got shipped off to manage Velvet Voices KTV. Jason thought he’d be a good fit since he’s got a knack for networking.”
Estrella rolled her eyes at the euphemism, knowing full well the kind of ‘networking’ Jason had in mind for Bryce.
Shortly after, the server brought their meals, and Jesse broached another topic. “Got your invite to the school anniversary, Estrella?”
“Yeah, I did.”
They were talking about Ravenwood College’s centennial celebration. Big shots like Jason and Grayson were practically VIPs, having donated generously over the years. Despite not being as prominent, Jesse, hailing from the prestigious Manning family, had also contributed to the school’s legacy, earning her a place among the honored guests.
Midway through dinner, Bryce called, trying to talk Estrella and Jesse into joining him at Velvet Voices KTV, promising a lineup of top-notch company.
Jesse couldn’t help but laugh. “Bryce, you might have found your true calling. Maybe you should just settle down at Velvet Voices KTV.”
On the other end, Bryce’s voice grew frantic. “Hey, don’t abandon me! I’m just missing you guys, come on over.”
Jesse smirked, cutting the call short.
As the clock neared nine, they strolled through a department store. Jesse suggested catching a movie, but Estrella, yawning and teary-eyed from exhaustion, declined. “Jesse,
I’m beat. Let’s do it another time.”
Jesse studied her closely, concerned. It was unlike Estrella to tire so easily; they used to all-nighters gaming and movie marathoning without a peep of complaint. Something was definitely up.
“What’s with the look, Jesse?” Estrella teased, wrapping her coat tighter around her.
Jesse crossed her arms, a playful suspicion in her eyes. “Estrella, you’ve been acting off lately, heading home early, getting tired. What’s going on?”
Estrella couldn’t help but chuckle under Jesse’s gaze. Leaning in, she whispered
something that turned Jesse’s expression from shock to joy.
“Let’s get you home,” Jesse said protectively, guiding her out of the store.
Estrella chuckled at Jesse’s attentiveness. “Don’t treat me like some kind of royalty.”
“But you are my royalty,” Jesse declared with a wink. “My queen.”
Estrella knew she could always count on Jesse. Smiling, they left the department store, their banter echoing into the night.
Upon arriving at Sandalwood Oasis and ensuring Estrella was safely back in the care of Marie, Jesse finally set off for home.
Estrella called out to her, “Jesse, why don’t you stay over tonight?”
Jesse chuckled, “You know how I am. I can’t even get used to staying at the old Manning estate. I’ve got to get back to my own place.”
She would have been quite content to bunk down with Estrella at the spacious ranch in Waterfall Acres, but Sandalwood Oasis? Not so much. There were too many people, and Jason would be coming home later that evening.
Since Jesse insisted, Estrella didn’t say further. As Jesse was waving goodbye, she cautioned, “Estrella, you better head inside before the wind chills you to the bone.”
Estrella stood firmly, “I’m not stepping out. I’ll just stand at the door to see you off.”
After watching Jesse’s car disappear into the night, Estrella turned back inside, while Marie commented nearby, “Miss Jesse is actually quite a decent person, warm and polite.”
“Yes.” Estrella replied with a smile, her admiration evident. Jesse was better than they had imagined, stronger and more understanding. It’s just Jesse’s heart had closed off to everyone except Estrella and Bryce after her mom’s death and everything that happened.
Not long after Jesse left, Jason returned. He found Estrella fresh from the bath, stepping out of the washroom. He approached and wrapped her in his arms, planting a kiss before resting his chin on her shoulder.
“I had a little schmooze with Taylor and Grayson tonight,” he murmured.
Estrella teased, “I can smell the mingling scents on you.”
Jason assured her, “I didn’t drink or smoke. That’s just the party’s perfume clinging to me.”