Cristofer smiled and explained, “When I first saw you, I thought you were beautiful, like a proud princess. But I didn’t truly fall in love with you until one day when I saw you stand up for Rebecca when she was being bullied by more than ten boys. You seemed so small, yet you fearlessly protected her.”
Estelle recalled those moments when she had defended Rebecca from bullies.
“You were so brave back then,” Cristofer continued. “I remember how you raised your chin, glared at them, and scolded them, threatening to teach them a lesson if they dared to bully Rebecca again.”
His words made Estelle feel even more embarrassed. She remembered that when she had stood up for Rebecca, she had been terrified and was merely pretending to be brave. She had also been afraid that those boys might turn their attention to her.
“Let’s not talk about that… It’s too embarrassing,” Estelle turned her face away.
Cristofer chuckled and said, “That was the first time I heard you scold someone. After confronting those boys, you told them they could come after you if they wanted revenge. You didn’t seem like a proud princess at that moment but more like a powerful queen. I’ll never forget your expressions at that time.”
“So, you loved me because I stood up arrogantly?” she inquired.
Cristofer shook his head, explaining, “No, I loved you because you’re courageous. When you protected Rebecca, your bravery deeply moved me, and I wanted to protect you in return. I want to be there for you always,” he said softly, his eyes fixed on her. “In the future, I’ll support you so you can regain your courage and pursue your dreams. Estelle, I owe you so much. You were meant to be a brilliant designer and to live a happy life, but I’ve ruined everything…”
Estelle replied, “That’s all in the past. I don’t know what to say to make you feel better.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I brought up the past just to let you know that you’re braver and more capable than you give yourself credit for. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
However, Estelle couldn’t help but frown and sigh, saying, “But I still struggle to run the company effectively. Back then, York nearly destroyed everything my father had worked so hard for. I’ve done my best to get it back on track over the years, but I haven’t succeeded. It seems like I lack the talent for business. Maybe I should consider getting someone to help me manage the company.”
“Mr. Lopez is very astute. He chose you to be his heir and oversee his businesses…” As she spoke, Estelle had a sudden realization and continued, “Mr. Lopez once told me that he wanted a perfect heir, not someone blinded by love who would sacrifice their career for a relationship. And he knew you were Mr. Mysterious, right? When I found out he had chosen you as his heir, I should have guessed your true identity.”
Cristofer nodded and explained, “Uncle Nelson is disabled, and he doesn’t have any children. He wanted to select a trustworthy person to inherit his wealth. After observing me for two years, he decided I was the right choice.”
Curious, Estelle asked, “How did he become disabled?”
“He was betrayed by a woman who wanted his wealth. She planned a car accident in an attempt to kill him.”
Estelle remarked, “No wonder he has such a strong distrust of women.”
“Yes, he has a deep-seated mistrust of women, and you could say he hardly trusts anyone. He even doubts Geoffrey, who has worked for him for over a decade,” Cristofer revealed.
“Then why does he trust you so much?” Estelle asked in confusion.
Cristofer was momentarily taken aback by Estelle’s question but then replied in a deep voice, “… He assisted me during the most challenging time in my life. Perhaps he believes that I’ll forever consider him my benefactor and won’t betray him, which is why he places so much trust in me.”
Just as Cristofer finished speaking, Estelle’s phone rang. Seeing an unfamiliar number on the caller ID, Estelle smiled and said, “Maybe it’s one of your subordinates calling.”
Cristofer looked puzzled.
“Vincent couldn’t reach you, so he called me. I assume your other subordinates might do the same if they can’t find you. By the way, where is your phone?”
“… I discarded it,” Cristofer confessed.
Surprised, Estelle asked, “Why? Did someone tap your phone?”
Cristofer shook his head.
“Then why did you throw it away?” Estelle asked, her curiosity piqued.
Avoiding the subject, he cleared his throat and suggested, “Why don’t you answer the phone first?”
“Okay,” Estelle agreed and picked up the call.
An anxious voice came from the other end of the line in the following moments. “Mrs. Hans, I can’t get in touch with Mr. Hans!”
Estelle recognized Eva’s voice and checked the caller ID again, which still displayed the unfamiliar number. She asked, “Did you change your phone number?”
“No, I didn’t. I tried calling Mr. Hans from my phone, but I couldn’t reach him. I thought maybe he blocked my number because he didn’t want to pay me overtime, so I borrowed a colleague’s phone to call him…” Eva explained, her voice sounding increasingly dissatisfied. “Mrs. Hans, could you talk to him about giving me my overtime pay? It’s just a small amount for him. He once spent ten times that on a single dress for you.”
“He bought me a dress? He didn’t buy me a dress,” Estelle clarified.
“Oh dear. Mr. Hans loves you so much, but he always pretends not to care. Over the years, he’s purchased thousands of floral dresses, all in your size, but he never gave them to you. I once caught him holding a dress to his chest. He must have been missing you at that moment. Also, Mr. Hans hired me as his secretary simply because my handwriting resembles yours!”
Estelle’s mind went blank upon hearing all this, and she turned to glance at Cristofer.
Cristofer, unaware of what Eva had shared with Estelle, looked at her with confusion and silently mouthed, “What’s going on?”
Estelle waved her hand slightly and then returned her focus to her conversation with Eva.
“By the way, I heard from a colleague that someone hung a star-shaped lamp on Mr. Hans’ office door during last year’s annual party conference. Surprisingly, he got very upset and fired that person. Since then, there haven’t been any star-shaped items in our company. But it’s odd because sometimes when he can’t sleep, he stands by the window in his office all night and looks at the stars.”