Beyond Boundaries

CHAPTER 2 :Operation Disrupt

The dining room of the Jefferson mansion buzzed with muted conversations and the clinking of fine china.

Estelle and Nolan exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their previous night's encounter hanging heavily between them. Michael, oblivious to the undercurrents, was in his element, regaling Layla and their guests with tales of business triumphs.

Nolan couldn’t shake off the shock. How could the rebellious girl from the bar be the heiress he was supposed to get along with? Estelle, meanwhile, tried to compose herself, her mind racing with thoughts of how to handle the situation.

As the dinner progressed, Layla, noticing the awkward tension, decided to break the ice.

Layla: So, Estelle, how are you finding the new investment opportunities?

Estelle forced a polite smile.

Estelle: They are quite challenging, but we’re managing. What about you, Nolan? How’s your project coming along?

Nolan caught off guard, cleared his throat.

Nolan: It’s progressing well. We’re hitting some milestones. By the way, have you always been interested in investments?

Estelle: Yes, from a young age. It’s something my father instilled in me.

Their conversation was interrupted by Michael.

Michael: Estelle has always been a quick learner. She’s a vital part of our business.

Layla: That’s wonderful to hear. Nolan is just as dedicated to his work. I’m sure you two will find a lot in common.

As the night went on, Estelle and Nolan continued their forced small talk, each trying to navigate the awkwardness of their newfound connection. The dinner drew to a close with Michael raising a toast.

Michael: To new beginnings and prosperous partnerships.

Everyone raised their glasses, but Estelle and Nolan’s eyes met over the rim of their glasses, each silently acknowledging the complicated road ahead.

Michael suddenly speaks

Michael: So let us have some private time, what about both of you get to know each other well and spare us some time on our own

Estelle's Perspective

How humiliating to meet him again! I can't raise my head out of shame.

Nolan's Perspective

I never expected to see this girl again under these circumstances. How humiliating!

Nolan and Estelle headed to the terrace.

In an awkward silence on the terrace, Nolan decided to break the ice.

Nolan: You should stop looking at the floor. I'm just curious, how are you going to harm my mother?

Estelle gathered her courage.

Estelle: And you? How are you planning to destroy my father?

Nolan sighed.

Nolan: Who would have thought that after our brief encounter, we'd end up here like this?

Estelle wondered.

Estelle: Yes, it's very embarrassing! But the image I saw yesterday doesn't match the serious, responsible son I see now.

Nolan, with sarcasm: The same goes for you. I didn't expect you to remember so much after being in such an unstable state!

Estelle got annoyed by Nolan's words.

Estelle: Excuse me! Unstable, you said!

Nolan paused, then spoke questioningly.

Nolan: It looks like neither of us wants our parents' wedding to happen.

Estelle, apathetically: Who knows? You will have the advantage of building your own company using our name! It's convenient for both you and your mother. You'll gain a lot from this partnership.

Nolan, showing a serious look.

Nolan: I don't know how to make you believe me, and I don't need your trust, but honestly, I have no intention of accepting this wedding.

Estelle: So what are your real reasons? You could take over the Jefferson Group since my father doesn't like my way of working.

Nolan: I want to succeed on my own without any help, and I’m ready to do everything to break off this engagement.

Estelle, sarcastically: Not very convincing! I can't believe men with high pride still exist. As for my reasons, I don’t want to share my wealth, have an arranged marriage with that so-called Mateo, or have a stepmother.

Nolan: Fair enough. I can understand not wanting to share your wealth or deal with an arranged marriage. As for the stepmother, I don't blame you. But trust me, my pride isn't the only thing driving me. This merger will change everything for both of us, and not for the better.

Estelle: So, we both have something to lose. What do you propose we do about it?

Nolan: We work together to make sure this wedding doesn’t happen. If we can find a way to show our parents this merger is a bad idea, maybe they'll reconsider. Are you in?

Estelle, with a determined look: Fine. But remember, this alliance is temporary. Once we’ve stopped the wedding, we're back to being strangers.

Estelle, primping her hair: You're still not convincing. If you betray me in the end, I will ensure you and your mother face the consequences

Nolan: I don't doubt that!

Estelle, wondering: So, Mister Nolan, what do you suggest?

Nolan is in deep thought, then finally speaks.

Nolan: I don't think it will work with my mom, but we can try it as a test.

Estelle, with a questioning look: What is it?

Nolan: It's based on our behaviour. I'll inform you of what my mother hates, and you tell me what your father detests. We'll do everything we can to make them call off the wedding because of us.

Estelle surprised: It's not a brilliant idea, but it might work with my father

Estelle and Nolan started discussing their plans to start this operation on the other side their parents Michael and Layla were happy for them to get along so easily!

Tomorrow morning

Michael was heading to the office, waiting for Nolan since they had spent the night at his house. However, Nolan arrived very late and in a messy state.

Michael hid his anger as he looked at Nolan's outfit: "Have you forgotten about our visit to the company, Nolan?"

Nolan, pretending to be confused, said: "I'm sorry, I just... I'm not used to getting up early on my days off. I'm usually in my gym clothes. I'll change quickly, I apologize!"

Nolan went back to change his clothes and met Layla, who was surprised.

Layla: "Nolan, this isn't like you. You're never late, even on your days off!"

Nolan avoided arguing with his mother and went to change his outfit.

Estelle, waiting outside with her father, said mockingly: "Look at your responsible stepson, late for his first visit. What a shame!"

Michael responded to Estelle with a strict demeanour: "It's not up to you to decide. Leave before us in your car."

Estelle rolled her eyes and left, annoyed.

(Estelle's perspective)

As I planned, Dad despises lateness. He scolded me every time I was late by just a few minutes. Now, after a few hours, he's about to explode. How fun!

Nolan got ready and entered the car with Michael, pretending to be uneasy about his late arrival. Michael spoke in a fixated tone.

Michael: "It would be better if you avoided being late next time. I thought you were a morning person, as your mother said!"

Nolan, still unsure: "I will try my best!"

Michael's direct response: "Good."

(Nolan's perspective)

Not surprisingly, he seemed annoyed by my attitude. I should try my best too!

Estelle texted Nolan, "Good job."

Nolan replied, "I am waiting for your show!

Estelle showed a confident smile.

She came home early and prepared a delicious pastry. Layla suddenly entered the kitchen.

Layla, with a happy smile: It seems you have a talent for cooking!

Estelle, feigning innocence: Actually, I prepared it for you and Dad, but I don't think you'll like it. Can you taste it for me, please?

Layla, feeling empathetic, said: I've heard your father is strict with you, and that's very sweet of you.

Layla, speaking kindly: I know you don't like me, and I won't force you to. It's not up to me, but I will try this pastry for your sake.

Estelle felt a bit guilty but stayed silent.

Layla tasted the pastry and suddenly started coughing, then tried to speak.

Layla, with a strained voice: Is this made with peanuts?

Estelle, pretending to be shocked: Yes, are you alright?

Layla, coughing: I have an allergy... ehem ehem!

Estelle, still shocked: Oh my God! What should I do?

Estelle handed a glass of cold juice to Layla. Layla pointed to the medicine, and Estelle quickly fetched it and called a doctor.

Layla, with labored breath: Is this strawberry juice? I have an allergy to that too!

Layla lost consciousness. Estelle panicked, realizing she had overdone it.

After the doctor's visit and Layla recovering, Estelle felt relieved.

Layla opened her eyes and, with a warm look, said: It's okay, I'm well. I won't inform Michael. I don't want to ruin your relationship with him right now. I know you had no idea about my allergies.

Estelle's perspective: What's wrong with this woman? Just tell Dad. That's why I did this awful thing, even if I got scolded. Her kindness bothers me.

Estelle, pretending to feel guilty, replied: Thank you, I didn't truly mean it.

At the company building, in the office, Nolan started reading some papers. He remembered what Estelle had told him about the importance of keeping documents organized. He purposely messed up the organization and spilt coffee on the papers he needed to sign.

When Michael arrived, he saw the mess Nolan had caused. He started shouting at the workers in the highest tone and then asked Nolan to leave the company and go home.

Nolan, showing a sorrowful face: Actually, I didn't mean to ruin this, but I was so focused on reading that I forgot the cup of coffee near me. Mr. Michael, I am truly sorry!

Michael, in a frustrated tone: No need for your apologies, just leave home. It's better for you!

Nolan, with a guilty face, left.

At home, Estelle received a call from Michael asking if she had copies of the ruined papers. She had some but not all, and she showed a bright smile.

Estelle's Perspective:

So he succeeded! I'm worried if he hears about his mother's state, he might sue me over that. Even though I won't lose, I will continue without a flaw.

Estelle went to check on Layla with a surprise. When she opened the door, Layla was still lying in bed. But once Estelle entered, Layla's expression changed to fear and panic, and she started trembling.

Layla: What on earth are you holding, sweetheart? Please keep that creature away from me. I despise cats!

Estelle was holding her cat, which usually stayed in the garage. Based on Nolan's words, Layla despises and fears cats the most. Estelle released the cat from her arms intentionally, calling out to it.

Estelle: Milene, wait! I never thought you were scared of cats. I wanted her to soothe you after your awful condition.

Layla shouted in fear, getting back on her bed.

Layla: Keep that thing away from me now, please! I can't even stand properly. Get it away, you awful thing!

Estelle: Come here, Milene. Stay away from her!

Layla fainted from fear. Estelle was surprised.

When Nolan came back home, he found his mother lying on the bed and wondered what had truly happened. Estelle told him everything, feeling a bit guilty.

Nolan shouted at Estelle, worried about his mother.

Nolan: Are you crazy? I told you just a bit, and you almost killed her! Are you willing to get rid of my mother this easily? You should stop anything that might harm her. Look at her in this awful condition! I won't allow this next time!

Estelle, with guilt: I never expected this much either, but she is very sensitive. All that matters is that she is in good condition right now. Don't worry, my father will get rid of me as soon as he hears, but the operation is a failure!

Nolan facepalmed with a sigh.

Michael arrived home in the evening. Layla got up from her bed to avoid revealing what had happened.

He already knew what had transpired since the doctor called him, and he was irritated from his bad day. He headed directly to Estelle, shouting at her.

Michael: What is the meaning of what happened today? Since when do you prepare pastries for me, and since when do you let that cat inside? You were about to commit murder! Are you at least aware of what happened? Can you explain your actions?

Estelle hung her head and didn't respond, knowing what was coming.

Layla intervened with a calm demeanour.

Layla: Michael, take a hold of yourself. She's your daughter. You don't need to treat her like that. She was just trying to do a good thing. You can't blame her—she had no idea.

Layla spoke with a serious and strict look.

Layla: Nolan, Estelle, head to your rooms. Let's get some sleep, Michael.

Michael took a deep breath, then walked away with Layla

Estelle was astonished by Layla. She never thought her father could be controlled like that, and that Layla would even interfere between them.

Then suddenly Nolan spoke with an unexpected look.

Nolan: You got more than a scolding. Are you truly alright?

Estelle, with a confident smile:

Estelle: Please don't feel sorry for me. I am a Jefferson after all; nothing can affect me! Don't underestimate me. I still want to continue our operation.

And then she headed to her room

Nolan smiled with a surprise!

The following day, both Nolan and Estelle continued their operation with determined actions.

Nolan had two days off, so he also arrived late with Michael. Estelle stayed at home, pretending to be upset with her father and refusing to work.

Estelle's Perspective

I have a brilliant idea. Nolan told me that his mother hates having her workplace and schedule disrupted, and she organizes everything on her phone. All I need to do is break her phone while she’s on a call.

Estelle headed to Layla's room, bringing her a glass of lemon juice. She knocked on the door, and Layla allowed her to enter.

Fortunately for Estelle, Layla was on an important phone call with a client.

Layla, speaking with a serious tone on the phone: "Alright, Mr. [Last Name], I will send you their number and the schedule I made right away." Then she hung up.

Layla put her phone on the terrace wall, and Estelle placed the glass of juice near it with a concerned expression.

Estelle: "I brought you some juice to apologize for yesterday. I hope you don’t mind lemon?"

Layla, with her usual warm tone: "Thank you, sweetheart."

Estelle then hugged Layla intentionally and spilled the juice on her phone, looking horrified.

Estelle: "Oh my god, what have I done again?"

Layla tried to catch her breath, her eyes widening in rage.

Layla: "What have you done, Estelle? Do you know how important that call was? Do you enjoy cutting people off from their income and ruining their hard work?"

Estelle, putting her hand on the terrace, accidentally moved the phone away, furthering her pretence.

Layla, still furious: "Seriously, Estelle, what do you have against me? Have I done something to hurt you?

Layla calmed herself down and said:

Layla: "Can you leave, Estelle? I won’t inform your father, but we will discuss everything at dinner. I don’t want to see your father’s angry face again, especially since you’re his only daughter."

Estelle felt uneasy and left.

Estelle's Perspective

This woman is abnormal! In the end, I think our strategy is ruined. All that will happen is that I’ll be sent away from this house. But I won’t allow him to have a happy marriage while my mom is suffering; it’s unforgivable.

On the other hand, Nolan demonstrated his lack of skill in golf and got into a confrontation with someone from a wealthy family who insulted his mother’s intentions. He also ended up paying a significant amount of money, which Michael had advised him to bet on the wrong horse.

Nolan, looking guilty: I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was so frustrated and didn’t expect him to badmouth my mother like that. But I’m not going to apologize to him!”

Michael, annoyed: “Are you planning to ruin this wedding with these nonsensical actions? I know you had a rebellious phase in high school, and your mother was worried about facing it again after this engagement.”

Michael, seriously: “We will discuss this at dinner when we get back. Also, consider how disappointed your mother will be in you after all this. Her suffering should be a wake-up call for you!”

Nolan: “It’s not for you to judge or speculate about my mother’s actions. Hearing those words only proved that she is choosing the wrong path! Am I right?

At dinner that night, the atmosphere was tense, and the silence only added to the pressure.

Layla broke the silence with a determined look: "So, both of you should inform us about the reason for your actions."

Nolan, with an expressionless face: "I am on my day off and I woke up earlier than my usual time. I like to rest, that's why I lost my senses."

Layla, annoyed: "There is no excuse for being late on purpose, ruining the agreement papers with coffee intentionally, and getting into a fight while pretending to be bad at sports!"

Nolan: "I see that your future husband explains everything for you!"

Layla: "He just asked if that's the true version of you or if you're just pretending!"

Layla: "What about you, Estelle? I know you don't like me, but why do you want to ruin our engagement with these actions?"

Michael stayed silent, respecting Layla's decision.

Then Michael spoke with a direct, serious tone: "What are your reasons for trying to ruin our wedding?"

Suddenly, Estelle spoke with a firm tone: "Don't mess with me, Mr. Michael. How do you expect me to accept all of this after what Mom suffered because of your bad actions? You turned her into a crazy woman! You don't deserve to be happy after that. I can't allow you to destroy another woman's life."

Nolan, with a frustrated look: "I told you, Mom, he's hiding so much from you! You also refused to read my father's last letter after he committed suicide. Just a moment ago, people were insulting you. You can't survive this path; you don't need to get hurt!"

Layla replied: "We already know everything about each other! You don't have to worry about that!"

Nolan stood up with an angry face and then slapped the table with his hand: "This dinner is over, I think."

After that, he left the table.

Estelle: "I think so too."

Estelle stood up and also left.