Chapter 156: Chapter 156

Chapter 156 Bryce was relentless in his efforts to persuade Estrella to get a divorce, and even Jesse was moved by his dedication. She played Bryce a recording she’d made, “Bryce, I’ve got the recording all set. Once Estrella gets back, we’ll just play it for Jason, so she doesn’t have to come up with an excuse to dump him.”

When Bryce saw that Jesse had made a recording, he lunged to snatch the phone away.

Each time Jason knocked him down a peg, Bryce would simmer down for a bit, but as soon as he recovered, he’d be back at it, egging Estrella on to cut ties. For over two years, not a single day did Bryce relent from this self-appointed mission.

Estrella, watching Jesse and Bryce chase each other around her, instinctively shielded her belly, fearing they might bump into her.

“Estrella, you better get Jesse to delete that recording quick,” Bryce pleaded with Estrella, unable to snatch Jesse’s phone. “If Jason hears that, he’s gonna skin me alive.”

With one hand in her pocket and the other gently resting on her belly, Estrella said, “So, are we still on for the sting operation or not?”

“Absolutely.” Bryce’s voice shot up an octave, as he was here specifically for that purpose. Then he added, “Estrella, you feeling okay? You’ve been guarding your belly this whole time.”

Estrella dropped her hand, “Just cramps.”

Bryce, uncertain, asked, “Is it that time of the month?”

Estrella pushed Bryce’s head playfully and then the trio headed into the karaoke bar. If it weren’t for Bryce dragging her out, Estrella would have been home sleeping by now.

They entered the private room to find an assortment of trendy and attractive guys lounging on the sofas, with a bevy of gorgeous girls of all types standing before them. The guys were picking out their favorites.

With her hands tucked into the pockets of her cozy brown cardigan, Estrella casually remarked, “Bryce, I had no idea you were such a player.” Was she here to catch him, or to catch Jason?

At Estrella’s words, Bryce lost his cool and started hurling shoes at the guys on the sofa, “Go to hell! Who told you to invite escorts? Didn’t I say someone important was coming? Are you doing this on purpose?”

After chewing the guys out, Bryce sternly ushered the girls out.

The guy in the center threw Bryce’s shoe back to him, “You never said that someone was a lady,”

Bryce, fuming, slipped his shoes back on and opened all the vents and air conditioning in the room, asking sternly, “No one smoked, right?”

“Nope,” the guys shook their heads. Estrella couldn’t stand the smell of Estrella, so wherever Bryce was, smoke was a no-go.

After Bryce’s tantrum, he introduced Estrella and Jesse to everyone, “This is Estrella, the most important person I talked about, and Jesse, the young miss from the Manning family.” He didn’t mention that Estrella was his sister-in-law.

The guys greeted them, “Hi Ella, hi Jesse.”

“Make sure you take good care of these two.”

“No problem,” they assured.

After Bryce gave the word, the guys who had earlier been acting high and mighty, ready to select their girls, quickly turned into sycophants, ready to entertain Estrella and Jesse.

Estrella, with her easy-going and generous nature, quickly joined the crowd in their fun. Every so often, she’d catch Bryce’s eyes, and he’d reassure her, “Estrella, don’t worry. I’m on it. I guarantee you we’ll catch my bro tonight and you can get that marriage annulled.”

Bryce had a spy keeping an eye on Jason’s room. When nothing untoward happened, he enthusiastically sent in a flock of ladies, certain Jason couldn’t resist.

Estrella watched Bryce, amused, wondering how Jason would deal with Bryce’s scheming.

He had already sent Bryce off to build schools in remote areas, subjected him to medicinal baths he had to endure, and arranged for a group of men to give him massages. What would Jason do this time? At the moment, Estrella was actually looking forward to Jason’s tactics.

Soon enough, Bryce’s informant reported back that Jason’s room had sent all the ladies away, claiming there had been a mix-up at the karaoke bar.

Bryce’s brows furrowed in frustration. Why weren’t they taking the bait?

As Bryce’s expression grew grim, Estrella gave him a ‘you deal with this’ look and headed to the restroom outside.

Just as she reached the restroom, she caught a glimpse of a slender figure passing by at the end of the hallway. Instinctively quickening her pace, Estrella followed, but by the time she got there, the figure had vanished. Gazing at the spot where the figure had disappeared, Estrella couldn’t shake the feeling that the events of the past were not as straightforward as they seemed.

When she returned to the restroom and fancied her reflection in the mirror, Estrella’s thoughts lingered on the silhouette she’d seen and the Maseratis she’d encountered before.

“Estrella,” someone called from behind her as she pondered. “You are Estrella, right?”

She turned to see a young man in a suit, looking at her excitedly. “Yes, I’m Estrella,” she replied, wiping her hands with a paper towel.

“I’m Dominic,” the man introduced himself, “I attended Ravenwood College too, a couple of years ahead of you in the Law program. We even competed in a debate tournament together. Do you remember?”

Estrella looked at the young man, her memory failing to place him.

Seeing her blank expression, Dominic continued with excitement, “Even though you were younger, you were like an idol to us back then. Oh right, our club is having a get-together tonight. You should come along, Estrella.”

“What club?” she inquired.

“Chess,” he replied.

Hearing this, Estrella realized what Jason had been up to. He, too, was a member of the chess club at Ravenwood College, as was Serene. No wonder Bryce had mentioned they were together. It must be a college club reunion.

Before Estrella could even respond, the boy grabbed her arm and whisked her towards the private suite, saying, “Estrella, come take a seat. We’ve got a bunch of big shots from Ravenwood College here today. You were a legend at Ravenwood too. If I bring you in there, it’s going to blow everyone’s mind.”

Chatting excitedly, the boy pulled Estrella to Suite 888, flung the door open, and announced to the room, “Guess who I just ran into?”

As he finished, everyone’s gaze turned toward the doorway.

“Estrella!”

“Estrella!”

With her congenial nature, stellar academics, and good looks, Estrella had been incredibly popular back in school. Her arrival as a freshman had caused quite the sensation, eclipsing even the buzz that surrounded Holly when she started. Guys from the neighboring universities were green with envy, claiming that Ravenwood had snagged a goddess.

So when Estrella appeared before them now, everyone was stunned, rising from their seats as if in one accord.

Though she was a celebrity of sorts, Estrella was usually understated, especially after graduation. News about her was scarce until she made headlines with a few high-profile cases.

“The queen herself! Dominic, you’ve really outdone yourself today.”

“Tell me about it. Estrella’s been the queen of our Law Department for years. Seeing her is better than winning the lottery.”

“Hey, Estrella, I’ve got a spot right here next to me.”

“There’s room by me too, Estrella.”

Amid the warm welcomes from her seniors, Estrella’s gaze drifted towards Jason, who seemed to be the only one not thrilled to see her.

Serene, sitting beside him, quickly shuffled to the side to create some space between them.

“Estrella.” Grayson was also there, standing to greet her.

With a smile, Estrella approached and extended her right hand. “Grayson. Long time no see.”

Grayson was momentarily taken aback. They had just had dinner together not too long ago.

Estrella was playing her part, so Grayson played along, taking her hand with a smile. “It’s been a while.”

After the greetings, he cast a glance at Jason, whose expression was something to behold.

Jason hadn’t wanted to join this gathering. He had been cornered at Nelson International and all but dragged here.

Following Grayson’s glance, Estrella turned to Jason with a smile. “Mr. Jason, there are. It’s been years, and you look more distinguished than ever.”