Chapter 21
She’d made it before for the twins. They’d cach taken one sip, spat it out, and threw their bowls across the floor.
“If you liked it, I’ll make more next time,” she said with a gentle smile, neatly clearing the dishes.
Spencer’s eyes flicked down to her pale hands. He noticed several faint red marks–oil burns, most likely. His gaze darkened slightly.
“No need.”
Estela lowered her lashes, making it hard to read her expression. “Still, thank you. for saving me. I’d like to cover your hospital bill. Whenever it’s convenient, you can have Sidney send me the invoice.”
Spencer stared at her for a long moment before letting out a short, amused breath. “You think I need the money?”
“Well. if you ever need anything–or if there’s anything I can help with- please don’t hesitate to reach out. I owe you one,” she added, clearly unsure of how to repay him.
She wasn’t used to situations like this.
He didn’t want money, and with his status, she couldn’t think of a single thing she could offer in return.
But to her surprise, Spencer didn’t turn her down.
As she turned to leave, he casually tossed his phone onto the table. “Add me, Ms. Warren.”
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16:46
Chapter 1
Estela didn’t say a word. She simply scanned his QR code and added him.
Just then, a phone call came in-
“Phoebe, are you sure you don’t want anything to cat? The chef made something really tasty today,” Rowena asked gently, holding her bowl, her little face full of worry.
Phoebe shook her head. She still looked pale. “My stomach isn’t feeling great. I don’t really have an appetite. You two go ahead and eat.”
Suddenly, Josh perked up. “I know! Mommy makes the best soup! Whenever our stomachs hurt, she makes it and we feel better right away. Let’s have her make some for Phoebe!”
“That’s too much trouble. Estela’s still recovering, isn’t she? Skipping a meal or two won’t hurt,” Phoebe said softly.
“I’m calling her right now!” Josh insisted. “She hasn’t even apologized. Making one pot of soup isn’t a big deal.”
‘Mom’s soup
he thought.
is delicious. If Phoebe has some, she’ll feel better for sure,‘
Josh pulled out his phone and dialed.
But this time, it rang for a long while before she finally picked up.
Growing impatient, he said, “Mom, what are you doing? Hurry up and come to the private hospital. Make soup for Phoebe!”
Beep. beep.
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16:46
The call ended. She’d hung up.
Josh stared at the phone in disbelief.
Josh stared at the phone screen, stunned. His dark eyes were filled with confusion.
“Did. Mom just hang up on me?”
In his memory, Estela had never hung up on him–ever.
“No way.” Rowena frowned, clearly puzzled too. “Mom wouldn’t dare.
She probably just hit the wrong button. Phoebe really can’t wait.
Quick, call her back.”
Still unsure, Josh hit redial. But this time, the call didn’t even go through–just a busy signal.
His face immediately darkened.
‘She did do it on purpose. Unbelievable. She was being so immature! A grown woman acting like a sulky kid? he thought.
‘Phoebe only had that allergic reaction because she wore Mom’s clothes. If she hadn’t dumped that milk on me, I might’ve ended up with a rash too!”
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Clutching his phone, he stormed out of the hospital room.
“Josh!” Rowena called after him, stomping her little foot in frustration. “Phoebe hasn’t eaten yet!”
“I’ll figure something out!”
Chapter 21
Meanwhile, just after Estela had coldly ended Josh’s call, she got a message from Delia and called her back.
“That client is a nightmare,” Delia sighed. “We’ve submitted over a hundred design drafts from our team, and not a single one’s been approved.”
She sounded completely exasperated.
“Estela, I’ve thought it over. You’re the only one who might be able to pull this off. Are you willing to give it a try?”
Estela paused for a moment. “What’s the direction?”
Delia immediately perked up at the non–refusal. “The client wants something centered around a ‘spiritual revival‘ theme–a fresh, energetic activewear line. I’ll email you the rest of the specs. I know it’s been a while since you’ve done flat design, so just take a look. If it interests you, I’ll let the client know.”
Estela listened quietly until Delia finished.
“Alright. I’m in.”
“You’re serious?” Delia’s surprise was quickly replaced by excitement.
Estela’s tone was calm but firm. “Yeah. I’ve thought a lot about it these past few days. I still want to be a designer. I want to live for me, just once. I’ll take the job–let’s treat it as my re–entry exam.”
‘Some skills, if left unused too long, get taken back by the universe,‘ she thought. This project–designing a sportswear collection–might be the perfect opportunity to start again.‘
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