Chapter 532 Chapter 532: Say That You Still Love Me
Seeing him like this, Estelle could tell he was serious. She took a deep breath, held her shaky hands, and said, “I know you’re upset about Grandpa’s memorial service. But I’ve only been working here for a few days, and I’ve done a lot for you. Now you’re letting me go just because you don’t need me anymore. Isn’t that unfair?”
Cristofer replied in a business-like tone, “I’ll talk to HR and make sure you get some money as compensation. If you’re not happy with it, you can ask for more. I’ll handle the family matters myself from now on, so you won’t have to worry about them.”
Even though it was a sunny day with no wind, Estelle felt a chill. “Do you think I’m useless and want to get rid of me?” she asked.
Cristofer didn’t answer her question but changed the subject, saying, “I’ll also find someone to help you with the Hudson Group and give you half of the gemstones I bought from Alexander. If that’s not enough, just let me know, and I’ll give you more gemstones. Plus, I’ve arranged for a new villa near the Hudson Group for you. It’ll make your commute easier. You can move there soon.”
Estelle’s last hope was shattered by Cristofer's words. She replied firmly, “I won’t move, and I don’t want a house or gemstones.”
Seeing how determined Estelle was, Cristofer frowned and said, “I’ve already given in a lot. You were hired as a nanny, but you got involved in my company’s matters. You crossed boundaries and violated my rights. I can sue you at any time…”
“Sue me? Fine, go ahead.”
“You... Whatever…” Cristofer sighed in frustration, not knowing what to say.
“Cristofer, the children need their mother,” Estelle pointed out.
“And then?” Cristofer asked, licking his lips. “Are you staying just for the children?”
Embarrassed, Estelle lowered her head and mumbled, “Grandpa Gary was kind to me when he was alive. I want to do something for the Hans family.”
“Okay. You want to stay for the children and Grandpa. Anyone else?”
Estelle hesitated, “Well... Uncle Luke has been taking care of the children, and I want to help him now that he’s getting older.”
Cristofer couldn’t hide his anger, “Are you going to add Eva, Vincent, Ron, Rebecca, Justin, or even Howard to your list?”
Estelle replied quietly, “Howard isn’t worth it.”
“Estelle,” Cristofer sighed sadly, looking away from her and gazing out of the window. “You’ve always had a kind heart. You stood up for Rebecca when she was bullied, you took in Christina when she was abandoned, and you helped Henry and his mother when you met them by chance. You care about everyone, but it seems you don’t care about me.”
Estelle remained silent.
“I just wanted to know why you insisted on staying here,” Cristofer continued. “Don’t you know what answer I was hoping for?”
“....”
“You know it. You know what I want,” Cristofer said, his voice tinged with longing. “If you had just said that you still love me and want to stay for me, I wouldn’t have asked you to leave.”
Estelle hesitated. “I did suggest that we could start over as friends...”
“We can’t go back to what we had,” Cristofer interrupted, shaking his head. “I’ve hurt you a lot in the past, and I understand that you may not want to forgive me. But why do you have to be there for me every day, taking care of me like a wife, helping me with everything, and yet refusing to be with me or say that you still love me? Why?”
Cristofer had never talked so much these days. He spoke slowly in a mild tone, but his words cracked Estelle’s mask of calmness.
‘Do I still love you, Cristofer? I fell in love with you twice. The first time when we were young, and the second time when you became Mr. Mysterious. I used to love you wholeheartedly and also used to despise you deeply. I can’t forget the days of waiting for you at our house and the hurtful words you once said.’ Estelle pondered silently. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find the answer.
Estelle suddenly felt at a loss for words. She had thought for a long time but couldn’t find a way to clearly express her complex feelings of love and hate for Cristofer. Looking at him, she saw the hope in his eyes slowly fade into disappointment.
Cristofer broke the silence with a gentle voice, saying, “Never mind, Estelle. Just leave, okay? I’ll be better off without seeing you.”
“But what about the children…” Estelle began, concerned for their well-being.
“I’ll talk to the children and explain everything to them. You don’t need to worry about them,” Cristofer reassured. “And as for finding a new nanny, we have some excellent candidates. I’ll make sure to find a suitable replacement for you.”
“They can’t replace me,” Estelle asserted confidently.
‘No one can replace you. But I really can’t let you stay here anymore,’ Cristofer thought.
“It’s not your decision,” Cristofer replied emotionlessly. He realized he needed to end this conversation quickly, or he might weaken and give in to Estelle again.
Seeing Cristofer's low spirits, Estelle thought he might still blame her for preventing him from seeing Grandpa Gary one last time. She softened her tone and apologized, “I’m sorry for keeping you from saying goodbye to Grandpa Gary. I’ll make it right.”
“For your sake, I’ll find out what Grandpa Gary said before he passed away, no matter the cost. I won’t let Victor harm you again, Cristofer.”
Cristofer fell silent, thinking of her words. He didn’t understand why she changed the topic suddenly. In a hoarse voice, he finally said, “I don’t need you to make amends. I just want you to leave. I’ll ask Eva to help you move out right away.”
Estelle, determined not to leave, gathered her courage and said, “It’s getting dark now. Don’t bother Eva. Besides, I’m tired. I’m going to take a shower.”
Cristofer, who knew Estelle well, could sense the strong determination in her soft voice. Reminding himself in his heart not to be softhearted, he deliberately said harshly, “Estelle, can’t you just understand what I’m saying? I don’t want to see you anymore!” Each word felt like a dagger piercing his heart, and his voice grew hoarse and pained as he spoke.
Estelle nodded, her tone gentle, “I understand. We both have our own choices. If you don’t want to see me, I’ll stay out of your sight, but I won’t leave.”