They were both stunned for a long time and didn’t say anything.
Finally, with a sneer, Ron turned sideways and made way for Estelle.
As soon as Estelle walked out of the elevator, he got into it and pressed the elevator button quickly.
Staring blankly at the elevator, Estelle couldn’t help feeling sad. Her heart sank, and what happened at the airport three years ago flashed across her mind again.
She still remembered how anxious Ron looked at that time.
****
“Miss Hudson, have you been deceiving Mr. Mysterious these days?” Ron asked in disbelief.
“Yes. So what?” Estelle nodded and responded coldly.
“Why did you do it? For the sake of you, Mr. Mysterious even…”
“Cristofer owes me. As his elder brother, Mr. Mysterious has the duty to repay me what Cristofer owes me,” Estelle uttered coldly again.
Hearing her words, Ron stood there dumbfounded for a long time, and he said, “Miss Hudson, actually, Mr. Mysterious is…”
At this time, the airport broadcast sounded again, interrupting him.
Estelle then checked in and left quickly.
Meanwhile, she was thinking, ‘No matter who he actually is, or whether he’s alive or not, I can’t be with him anymore…’
****
Thinking about the past, Estelle totally understood Ron’s hatred toward her.
Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the hotel, went to the supermarket, and bought some daily necessities and food.
Upon her return, as she opened the door to the room, she observed its tranquility and silence.
Aurora and Yvonne had gone to bed while Rebecca was drowsing on the sofa in the living room with Yohan in her arms.
“Estelle, you’re back.” Rebecca woke up and greeted her with a sleepy look.
Rubbing his eyes in drowsiness, Yohan ran to Estelle and hugged her.
“Mom, I miss you so much.”
Estelle lovingly stroked his hair and softly spoke, “It’s getting late. You should head to bed. I still need to have a conversation with Aunt Rebecca.”
Yohan blinked and asked, “Aren’t you going to cook eggs for Yvonne?”
“Yvonne is already asleep. Yohan, it’s time for you to get some rest, too, alright? Tomorrow, I’ll make delicious steamed eggs for both of you!” Estelle announced.
“Sure,” Yohan replied with a nod, “I’ll head to bed now. Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Auntie Rebecca.”
“Good night.”
As Yohan took a few steps, a thought crossed his mind, causing him to turn back to Estelle. “Mom, Uncle Eric wanted me to tell you that he hopes you’ll return soon after you’re done here. He mentioned that Christina would really start to miss you if you stayed away for too long.”
“Okay, I see.”
After Yohan slowly walked into the room and closed the door, Rebecca sat up and asked in a low voice, “You named that child Christina?”
“Yes,” Estelle answered her.
“Good name,” Rebecca stated, “She is three years old, right? I remember that she is six months younger than Yvonne.”
Speaking about the child named Christina, Estelle couldn’t suppress her smile as she took a seat beside Rebecca. “Indeed, she’s younger than Yvonne. Christina is bursting with energy and vivacity. Our home often turns into chaos because of her. Occasionally, she finds joy in playfully shredding my documents into pieces.”
“Oh, my God,” Rebecca exclaimed. “She is so naughty!”
Wearing a tired expression, Estelle massaged her temples and went on, “What’s amusing is that she doesn’t pay attention to anyone except Yohan. The moment Yohan gives her a glance while she’s being noisy, she immediately quiets down and behaves.”
Upon hearing this, Rebecca chuckled and remarked, “It seems everyone has their own conqueror.”
After a brief pause, the smile on Rebecca’s face faded, and she sighed, “Estelle, looking after three children on your own is no small feat. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
Estelle shook her head and spoke softly, “Yohan and Yvonne are both well-behaved. It’s Christina who’s mischievous, so she can be a handful. But it’s alright. My mother is with me every day to assist with the children, and Eric frequently visits Randaw to lend a hand. So, life isn’t as tough as you might think. Rebecca, I’m truly grateful for Christina’s presence by my side. She keeps me occupied, and in those moments, I don’t dwell on the past…”
Rebecca sighed and gave her a big hug to comfort her. Then she said, “Estelle, since Christina is energetic and lively, does it mean that she is in good condition now? She won’t have an attack of her disease, will she?”
In the following moment, Estelle’s response left her feeling disheartened.
“The doctor warned that she would experience an attack sooner or later. I returned this time for three reasons. The first and foremost reason is to find a cure for Christina. The second is to pay my respects at my father’s grave.”
Curious, Rebecca inquired, “And the third reason?”
Estelle managed a wistful smile, replying, “The third reason… Rebecca, could you tell me today’s date?”
“It’s December 16th. What’s wrong?”
“There’s still half a month left…” Estelle murmured.
“Half a month? What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” Estelle answered and forced a smile.
After conversing for some time, Rebecca grew drowsy and retired to her room to rest.
Estelle, unable to sleep, made her way to the balcony and stayed there until the break of dawn.
Gazing at the stars overhead, she didn’t experience any sense of loneliness.
****
The following day, as Cristofer was engrossed in his work, a knock on his office door announced the arrival of the HR manager.
“Mr. Hans, all the candidates have already arrived. I’ve diligently reviewed their educational backgrounds and qualifications, which appear to be quite satisfactory. Furthermore, they come with prior experience working as secretaries. Are you interested in conducting personal interviews for the position?”
“Yes,” Cristofer answered briefly.
He had stayed up working all night again. When he stood up, he staggered around and almost lost his balance.
Fortunately, he often worked out and was agile enough. Quickly holding the edge of his desk table, he steadied himself.
Startled by such a scene, the manager ran over and asked with concern, “Mr. Hans, are you okay? Did you stay up working again?”
“I’m alright,” Cristofer replied, waving his hand to signal the manager not to assist him, and promptly strode toward the meeting room.
When he saw the candidates sitting in a row and waiting for the interview, he smirked and shook his head. Then he strode into the meeting room and sat opposite them.
The HR manager followed him all the way and didn’t dare to say a word.
“They are the candidates you selected?” Cristofer inquired, looking upset.
The HR manager nodded and answered in a low voice, “Mr. Hans, in the previous rounds of interviews, I assessed the candidates’ educational background, working experience, adaptability to changes, and many other qualifications for the job. The candidates in front of you now are the most outstanding ones among all the candidates. All of them graduated from famous universities with a doctorate and rich working experience, and outstanding ability.”