Chapter 548 Chapter 548: Why Don’t You Consider Your Own Happiness?
“Indeed, the jewelry industry can be cash-intensive, and facing cash flow challenges is common in this field. Estelle, I think your idea of making jewelry more affordable is a smart move. The reasonable price point can attract a wider customer base.”
“Thank you,” Estelle replied with a smile. “Looking at it from another perspective, if more people like this jewelry set, it could drive more readers to buy your magazines. Many people believe that fashion magazines showcase expensive items they can’t afford, so they don’t bother buying them. We can try the opposite approach by featuring affordable jewelry in the magazine to draw in readers.”
Impressed by Estelle’s insight, Bella agreed to take her advice. After finalizing the design drawings, Estelle quickly called the production department, instructing them to create samples based on the designs and deliver them to Bella’s magazine company as soon as possible.
Before Estelle left, Bella couldn’t help but ask a question that had been on her mind, “Normally, with Mr. Hans backing you, you shouldn’t have had a cash flow problem. Did you turn down his offer to help?”
Estelle shook her head in response, thinking to herself, ‘Cristofer always respects my freedom and knows I wouldn’t accept his financial assistance directly. He hasn’t offered to help with the cash flow issue. Besides, if he gave me money directly, it would make our relationship even more complicated. So, Cristofer has been assisting me by providing gemstones.’
After leaving the magazine company, Estelle returned to her own company to attend to some follow-up work. Just as she finished everything, she received a call from Rebecca.
“Estelle, come downstairs quickly. I’m taking you somewhere!” Rebecca’s voice was full of excitement over the phone.
“Right now?”
“Yes, right now. I’m waiting for you downstairs. Hurry!”
“What’s going on? Why the rush?” Estelle asked, bewildered.
“You’re in for a treat! Just come!”
Estelle quickly packed her belongings and headed downstairs. When she spotted Rebecca’s car, she hopped in without even fastening her seat belt. Rebecca stepped on the gas pedal and sped away.
In the car trailing behind them, Cristofer and Justin exchanged amused glances.
“You should probably suggest to Rebecca that she familiarize herself with traffic rules. Making illegal U-turns like that can lead to trouble. It seems like she’s no stranger to bending the rules. Isn’t she concerned about losing her driver’s license?” Cristofer remarked.
Justin shook his head with a helpless expression and remained silent. Observing Justin’s reaction, Cristofer couldn’t help but chuckle. “By the way, when are you planning to have your wedding?”
Justin raised an eyebrow and replied, “We were thinking of having the wedding ceremony alongside you and Estelle.”
Cristofer's smile faded slightly at the mention of this.
Seeing his expression change, Justin sighed and asked, “What’s wrong? Hasn’t your relationship with Estelle improved a bit? She willingly helped you with bathing and taking care of you. It doesn’t seem like she no longer loves you.”
Cristofer replied, “She still hasn’t fully overcome the past and doesn’t know how to face me. We... I’m not even sure if she loves me any more or just sees me as a family member who grew up with her.”
“Regardless of what she feels, it’s a positive sign as long as you can be together,” Justin said.
“I don’t know if she wants to be with me. In any case, I won’t force her to stay by my side. All I want is for her to live the life she wants. If she wants to run her company successfully, I’ll support her. My only concern is backing her up no matter what she decides.”
“Why don’t you consider your own happiness?” Justin asked.
“I’m not important,” Cristofer replied. “I don’t care what my future holds.”
Hearing Cristofer's words, Justin rubbed his temples helplessly. “So you are going to keep your relationship with her like this for the rest of your life?” he asked.
“It’s not bad to keep our current relationship. She has her own life. I’ll continue to be the man behind her,” Cristofer said with a faint smile.
Raising his eyebrows, Justin asked, “Do you want to be Mr. Mysterious again?”
“The time we spent together when I was Mr. Mysterious was the happiest time in our life,” Cristofer remarked.
“Okay, that’s fine. I don’t understand why you and Estelle still love each other but won’t admit it,” Justin said, shaking his head with a sigh.
Cristofer asked, “You didn’t come here just to talk about this, did you? Did Rebecca send you to keep me company?”
Justin shrugged and didn’t hide it. “Since you figured it out, just stay here. Don’t make it hard for me.”
Cristofer sighed, “My legs are injured. Even if you didn’t come, I couldn’t stop Rebecca from doing anything.”
“Recovery takes time. Don’t worry. Victor is just following your lead for now. You’re still in charge of the company. Consider this period a break and stay positive,” Justin reassured him.
“Okay,” Cristofer nodded.
Justin gazed thoughtfully into the distance for a moment and then asked, “Gretchen, York, and Nelson got what they deserved. What about Victor?”
Cristofer replied, “He’s my brother, after all.”
“Are you going to let him off the hook?” Justin asked, furrowing his brows.
Cristofer admitted, “I don’t know. I’ll think about it.”
At the same time, Rebecca was driving at a high speed, and Estelle clung tightly to the handle, feeling scared. The car raced along the road, and Estelle noticed they were heading to a remote area. When they arrived, Estelle realized there were very few people around.
“Rebecca, where are we? What’s your plan?” she asked, puzzled.
“I’m taking you to meet someone,” Rebecca replied, gripping Estelle’s hand and leading her through a gate. They encountered a uniformed police officer, and it was then that Estelle realized they were at a prison.
“Excuse me, Officer. Where is Gretchen?” Rebecca asked as they approached the desk officer.
The officer pointed in a direction and said, “You’re Gretchen’s family, right? You’re a bit late. You still have some time to visit with her.”
“Thank you!”
Rebecca guided Estelle into a room, pushed the door open, and entered with her. The room had only a chair and a phone, with a glass window dividing it into two parts.
“Estelle, now you can seek justice for your father’s death. Gretchen is facing execution. Say what you need to when you see her. Don’t worry, I’ll be waiting outside,” Rebecca assured her, patting Estelle’s shoulder. Then she turned and left, closing the door behind her.
Estelle was filled with mixed emotions, knowing she had much to tell Gretchen but unsure where to begin.
Suddenly, there was a loud “bang!” as the door on the opposite side of the room swung open.