Novel Squares
Chapter 62
Drew continued, “Mr. Jason turned it down. He said that Dorvold Group had been prepping for this project for ages and that they’re a better fit. Plus, he’s made it clear to them that if Dorvold Group ever needs a hand during the later stages of the project, Nelson Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
International will be all in to assist.”
Jason knew Cole had his eye on the Digital Springs project, so he had stayed out of the picture from the get-go. Otherwise, all the drama that followed would’ve been non-existent, and Nelson International would’ve snagged the project from the start.
After Drew wrapped up, Estrella offered a wry smile and kept mum. Jason had turned down an invite from the top brass, which took her by surprise.
Drew struck while the iron was hot, “Ms. Estrella, he really values you. There’s so much going on behind the scenes that you’re not aware of.”
Estrella chuckled at Drew’s constant championing for Jason, “Drew, you’re so dedicated. I’m almost tempted to poach you for the Dorvold Group.”
Drew chuckled back, “Ms. Estrella, you are just humoring me.”
Estrella’s personality was a hit. Drew adored it, and so did all of Jason’s friends. If it hadn’t been for that fateful incident three years ago, they might have been blissfully happy by now, with their children toddling around and calling out “mommy” and “daddy”.
Half an hour later, Estrella arrived at Nelson International and was promptly led to an available office. The desk was piled with documents and reports, along with a stack of expense reimbursement forms.
When Estrella looked puzzled and confused, the secretary explained, “Ms. Estrella, Mr. Jason insists that you personally review and sign off on these applications, contracts, and expense forms. He’s worried about oversights otherwise.”
Estrella blurted out, “Don’t you guys have an admin department? What about legal?”
The secretary meekly replied, “Admin and legal have already signed off. Mr. Jason said it’s not good to go until you’ve had a look too.”
Estrella couldn’t help but probe, “Did your previous legal team handle these things? Even the approval of expense reimbursement forms?”
The secretary squirmed a bit, “Supposedly, yes
Contract paperwork fell within Estrella’s purview, but expense reports and application forms? This had Jason’s fingerprints all over it, as if she had time to deal with Korey’s
mess.
With a huff, Estrella tossed her bag aside, “Jason sure knows how to keep people busy.”
11.30-
In reality, even if Jason hadn’t pulled this move she wouldn’t have taken cases related to Korey. She already had enough cases on her plate.
As sher started to work, the secretary offered in a soft voice, “Ms. Estrella, let me get you some coffee.”
No sooner had the secretary spoken than a young man arrived bearing coffee and a fruit. tart, ensuring that Estrella could work undisturbed.
There’s an old saying, “You can’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Having signed the contract, and considering the firm’s reputation, Estrella couldn’t well argue with Jason, so she got down to business at the desk.
She meticulously reviewed and signed the contracts, but the notion of signing off on office supplies and even a janitor’s mop and bucket was too much. Did Jason really think. she had nothing better to do?
So, after signing one last expense report, Estrella stormed off to find Jason. She barged into his office, finding him at his desk, and greeted him with a smirk, “Working hard, I see?”
Jason glanced up, still irked about being stiffed by her the night before, and asked bluntly, “What do you want?”
Estrella sauntered over, dropping the expense reports in front of him, “Mr. Jason, don’t you think I’m a bit overqualified for this?”
Jason shot back dryly, “You’re indeed quite qualified.”
He still couldn’t get over how she’d gotten away with just the foreplay and then slept like a baby. She’d had her cake and eaten it too.
His expression soured, and Estrella couldn’t help but laugh, “Still upset, huh? Didn’t I say I’d make it up to you tonight?”
Jason dismissed her, “Lost interest.”
Since his pride wouldn’t let him admit it, Estrella perched on the arm of his chair, she mentioned the project he’d turned down. “If you’d told me sooner, Lwouldn’t have shortchanged you. I’d have gone the whole nine yards with you instead.”
Jason scoffed; he wouldn’t fall for that. Swatting her hand off his shoulder, he said coolly, “Hands off.”
Estrella teased him further, “Really that mad, huh? How about I make it up to you right now?”
His gaze met hers, and he retorted, “Estrella, all you’ve got is that mouth of yours.”
She had blushed at his touch the night before, and now she was just betting he wouldn’t dare make a move here at the office.
11:30
When Jason didn’t rise to the bait, Estrella, still perched on his chair arm, said, “You make me sign off on a mop purchase? Really, Jason, if you’re so keen to keep me around just for Nelson International, your retainer’s going to have to be a whole lot heftier.”
When the conversation turned to work, Jason finally looked her way, “All day it’s divorce cases and neighborhood squabbles. Is that really what you want, Estrella?” If it weren’t for the Nelson International gig, she wouldn’t have a single noteworthy case on her
hands.
Estrella replied, “Clearly, you’re out of touch with the common folk.”
Jason offered, “If you’re fed up with your family firm, come to Nelson International. Pick any title you want.”
Estrella had mentioned a couple of times about Serene in the company. But for him, Serene was a commitment he had to honor. If Estrella didn’t believe him, she was
welcome to come and see for herself.
Hearing that, Estrella’s smile grew even wider, Jason, seems like you’re really smitten by
me.”
“Jason.” Estrella had barely finished speaking when the door to Jason’s office burst open. Serene, grinning ear to ear, waltzed in with a lunch box in her hand. Upon seeing Estrella there, not just in Jason’s office but perched on his chair, Serene was momentarily taken aback.
Regaining her composure, Serene strode in with the lunchbox, cheerfully greeting Estrella. “Hey, Estrella.”
Unperturbed by Serene’s arrival, Estrella casually acknowledged her with a nod, making no move to vacate her seat on the armrest of Jason’s chair. Estrella leaned into him, her arm still casually draped over his shoulder. Next to Estrella’s commanding presence, Serene seemed all the more meek.
Aware that Estrella took issue with her bringing Jason food, Serene quickly tried to make amends. “The lunch is from the company cafeteria. You haven’t had lunch either, right, Estrella? I’ll go grab a portion for you too.”
“Sure, thanks, Serene,” Estrella replied.
Serene placed the lunch she had brought for Jason on the desk and scurried out to fetch Estrella’s meal.
Once Serene brought back Estrella’s portion, she closed the door and made her exit. As she left, she couldn’t help but cast a longing glance back at the office, wishing she could possess Estrella’s confidence, but it was clear she lacked that self-assurance.
Back in the office, after Serene had set down the food, Estrella stood up and moved to the dining area to open their lunch boxes.
Jason followed, his expression unreadable, and watched Estrella as he said, “Are you gonna dig in without hesitation. Aren’t you worried she might have spiked your meal?”