Chapter 171 A Man’s True Face
94
Finished
Estella had been half–asleep, half–awake, replaying the fire and Jonathan’s rescue in her head. He’d called in favors, owed debts, risked everything – all for her. The thought left her both touched and heavy–hearted. How much will he have to pay later, just because of me…
When she drifted awake again, she expected to see Lana still at her side. Instead, Nathaniel sat by her bed, an IV stand trailing behind him. He’d snuck in while the others were gone.
He leaned forward, feigning deep concern. “Estella, I heard what happened. Who hurt you?”
Her eyes hardened instantly. She remembered the kidnapper’s call, the way he’d demanded Nathaniel pay up — and Nathaniel’s refusal.
“Don’t play the savior,” she said icily. “The man called you while I was trapped. You wouldn’t save me. So why show up pretending you care now?”
The words sliced him open. He froze, then his expression darkened.
“It was Corden… that bastard really dared lay a hand on you!” His jaw clenched. “Don’t worry, Estella. I’ll make him pay.”
Her laugh was bitter. “You ruined him. He came for revenge, and I got dragged down with you. I’ll seek justice my way – through the law. And you, Nathaniel, you should be the one paying for what you’ve done.”
—
Her eyes, clear and cutting, pinned him.
“You used to just be a lousy lover. Now I see you’re rotten all the way through. Did you think you could keep destroying people and never face the consequences?”
Her voice was calm, but her disgust was palpable. It burned worse than any wound. Nathaniel faltered, lowering his gaze.
“I’ll change,” he muttered. “Whatever you hate, I’ll stop. I’ll be better. Just… believe me.”
“I don’t,” she said flatly. “Get out. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
Every hardship in her life seemed to lead back to this man. Just the sight of him made her regret ever letting him in.
Nathaniel left, shoulders stiff, a storm swirling in his
eyes.
Silence fell over the room again. Estella lay back, staring at the ceiling, but her mind turned toward Jonathan – his injuries, the bandages on his arm, the way he had pulled her out of fire
with his own hands.
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14:33 Fri, Oct 24
Chapter 171 A Man’s True Face
:
(94)
Finished
Footsteps returned. Irritation flared. “Didn’t I tell you to leave?”
But when she lifted her gaze, the eyes that met hers were not cold, but warm and steady.
“Jonathan…” Her eyes misted, falling to the fresh white gauze on his arm. Tears spilled freely.
He hurried to her side. “Are you still hurting? Should I call the doctor?”
Instead, she grabbed his wrist, staring at the wound. “Does it hurt?”
He brushed away her tears, smiling gently. “This? Hardly counts.”
Her laugh broke with a sob. “You really are—”
Before she could finish, he teased, “I saw the dashcam footage. That scarf chokehold of yours wasn’t bad at all.”
She blinked, then let out a watery laugh. “See? I’m not that fragile.”
Nathaniel’s shadow had left her wary and defensive; she’d trained her body so she wouldn’t be helpless again.
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