NovelEnglishJonathan tucked the scarf snugly around her neck, "It's chilly out today. Don't wander off this afternoon, alright? I'll swing by Old Mr. Quintin's place after work to pick you up." "Alright!" Estelle nodded, her breath forming little clouds in the frosty air. He planted a quick ki*s on her forehead, a tender gesture that lingered as they parted ways, each hopping into their cars and leaving the underground parking lot. Estelle headed for the Quintin residence, while Jonathan disappeared in the opposite direction. Driving through the streets, Estelle received a message from Magdalen - a piece of breaking news. She glanced at her phone only to find that Victor Brown had been arrested. The charges read like a laundry list of financial sins: embezzlement, accepting bribes, squandering funds on gambling. The news piece was followed by a tabloid-like exposé on the current plight of the Macclain family. Bankruptcy had claimed them, their company and properties seized, a once proud and noble lineage on the brink of becoming a mere footnote in the annals of J City. The comments section was a cesspool of schadenfreude and vitriol, which Estelle chose to ignore. She put the phone aside, focusing on the road ahead. Nearing the Quintin's, Estelle passed a supermarket and decided to stop for scandy. With the festive season fast approaching, the store was out in cheerful decorations, and the candy aisles were particularly alluring. She picked out a few varieties of sweets, a couple of boxes of chocolates, and ssnacks for Evelyn. As she pushed her cart towards the exit, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks, "Estelle!" She turned to see Sabina approaching, her usual haughtiness replaced with a look of despair and defeat. “What a coincidence, running into you here," Sabina remarked dryly. "Is there something you need?" Estelle asked, her tone indifferent. Sabina glared, seething with resentment. "I've been fired by the Lamont Group!" Estelle remained silent, prompting Sabina to continue, now visibly angrier. "It's not just me; our whole family has suffered because of you. The family estate is sealed off, my grandparents are practically homeless, stuck in a tiny apartment. Our family's not faring much better. And your parents... I heard your mom can't even afford her hospital bills. Your dad's out there begging for money every day! And do you know what Carmella is doing now? Yesterday, I walked past a restaurant and saw her waiting tables, drenched in booze after a drunk patron spilled his drink on her, harassing her!" Estelle's expression remained stoic. “Is all of this really because of me, or is it because of your family's greed?" Sabina scoffed. "Even if they were at fault, don't you think you've been a bit too harsh? They're still your relatives, your blood. Don't you feel anything at all?” Estelle didn't bother to argue, turning to leave. “You must be proud, bringing down the Macclain family," Sabina sneered bitterly. "You've been waiting for this day, haven't you? Waiting to laugh at the downfall ofand everyone else in the Macclain family!" Estelle faced Sabina calmly. "You're giving yourself too much credit. What about you is worth waiting for? You're nothing but a sideshow, a spectacle without an audience." Leaving Sabina speechless, Estelle grabbed a bag of peach-flavored candies and put it in her cart, then continued on her way. When Estelle arrived at the Quintin residence, a servant took the groceries from Estelle and informed her, "Old Mr. Quintin is in the study, teaching Miss Evelyn to paint. Old Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Carnes are out back." "Has Sophia been around these last couple of days?" Estelle inquired, recalling her friend's frequent visits. "Sophia hasn't been back since she left the morning before yesterday," the servant replied. Estelle didn't dwell on Sophia's absence. She decided not to disturb her teacher and Evelyn upstairs and instead made her way to the backyard. There, Old Mr. Jarvis and Gabriel were engaged in a chess match under the gazebo. Gabriel waved her over with a smile. “Perfect timing, you can take over for me." Old Mr. Jarvis shot him a look. "Two games in and you're already restless. Your patience seems to be wearing thin." Gabriel shrugged it off playfully. "Who could match your steadfastness?" Estelle cto Gabriel's rescue, taking a seat across from Old Mr. Jarvis with a smile. "I'm not half the player Gabriel is, but I'll keep you company for a game."
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