Female Novel
Chapter 2112
Jonathan tucked the scarf snugly around her neck, "It's chilly out today. Don't wander off thisafternoon, alright? I'll swing by Old Mr. Quintin's place after work to pick you up."
"Alright!" Estelle nodded, her breath forming little clouds in the frosty air.
He planted a quick kiss on her forehead, a tender gesture that lingered as they parted ways, eachhopping into their cars and leaving the underground parking lot. Estelle headed for the Quintinresidence, while Jonathan disappeared in the opposite direction.
Driving through the streets, Estelle received a message from Magdalen - a piece of breaking news.She glanced at her phone only to find that Victor Brown had been arrested. The charges read like alaundry list of financial sins: embezzlement, accepting bribes, squandering funds on gambling.
The news piece was followed by a tabloid-like exposé on the current plight of the Macclain family.Bankruptcy had claimed them, their company and properties seized, a once proud and noblelineage on the brink of becoming a mere footnote in the annals of J City.
The comments section was a cesspool of schadenfreude and vitriol, which Estelle chose to ignore.She put the phone aside, focusing on the road ahead.novelbin
Nearing the Quintin's, Estelle passed a supermarket and decided to stop for some candy. With thefestive season fast approaching, the store was decked out in cheerful decorations, and the candyaisles were particularly alluring.
She picked out a few varieties of sweets, a couple of boxes of chocolates, and some snacks forEvelyn. As she pushed her cart towards the exit, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks, "Estelle!"
She turned to see Sabina approaching, her usual haughtiness replaced with a look of despair anddefeat. "What a coincidence, running into you here," Sabina remarked dryly.
"Is there something you need?" Estelle asked, her tone indifferent.
Sabina glared, seething with resentment. "I've been fired by the Lamont Group!"
Estelle remained silent, prompting Sabina to continue, now visibly angrier. "It's not just me; ourwhole family has suffered because of you. The family estate is sealed off, my grandparents arepractically homeless, stuck in a tiny apartment. Our family's not faring much better. And yourparents... I heard your mom can't even afford her hospital bills. Your dad's out there begging formoney every day! And do you know what Carmella is doing now? Yesterday, I walked past arestaurant and saw her waiting tables, drenched in booze after a drunk patron spilled his drink onher, harassing her!"
Estelle's expression remained stoic. "Is all of this really because of me, or is it because of yourfamily's greed?"
Sabina scoffed. "Even if they were at fault, don't you think you've been a bit too harsh? They're stillyour relatives, your blood. Don't you feel anything at all?"
Estelle didn't bother to argue, turning to leave.
"You must be proud, bringing down the Macclain family," Sabina sneered bitterly. "You've beenwaiting for this day, haven't you? Waiting to laugh at the downfall of me and everyone else in theMacclain family!"
Estelle faced Sabina calmly. "You're giving yourself too much credit. What about you is worthwaiting for? You're nothing but a sideshow, a spectacle without an audience."
Leaving Sabina speechless, Estelle grabbed a bag of peach-flavored candies and put it in her cart,then continued on her way.
When Estelle arrived at the Quintin residence, a servant took the groceries from Estelle andinformed her, "Old Mr. Quintin is in the study, teaching Miss Evelyn to paint. Old Mr. Jarvis and Mr.Carnes are out back."
"Has Sophia been around these last couple of days?" Estelle inquired, recalling her friend's frequentvisits.
"Sophia hasn't been back since she left the morning before yesterday," the servant replied.
Estelle didn't dwell on Sophia's absence. She decided not to disturb her teacher and Evelynupstairs and instead made her way to the backyard.
There, Old Mr. Jarvis and Gabriel were engaged in a chess match under the gazebo. Gabriel wavedher over with a smile. "Perfect timing, you can take over for me."
Old Mr. Jarvis shot him a look. "Two games in and you're already restless. Your patience seems tobe wearing thin."
Gabriel shrugged it off playfully. "Who could match your steadfastness?"
Estelle came to Gabriel's rescue, taking a seat across from Old Mr. Jarvis with a smile. "I'm not halfthe player Gabriel is, but I'll keep you company for a game."