Beyond Boundaries

CHAPTER 6:

In the early morning at Nolan's house, Estelle was sleeping on Nolan's bed, and he was on the sofa. After she collapsed, he decided to take her away from Michael because she would become uncontrollable when she saw him.

The doorbell rang. Nolan went to open the door, and it was Stella with a shining aura.

Stella: Good morning!

She saw a stranger's woman's shoes. Her facial expression changed.

Stella (angrily): Who's here?

Then she went directly to Nolan's room, finding Estelle sleeping there. Nolan tried to stop her.

Stella (angrily): What is the meaning of this? What is she doing here?

Nolan (reassuringly): Stella, calm down. I brought her here because she lost consciousness yesterday. Her mother committed suicide in front of her eyes. I had to bring her.

Stella (angrily): No, you didn't have to. She has a boyfriend and a father and many other bodyguards. Why did she choose you to cry in your arms?

Nolan (annoyed): Can't you understand the situation? Her boyfriend is far from here, and it was a favor Mr. Michael asked me to do! You should lower your voice, you will wake her up.

Stella: Are you getting worried I will wake her up? And wasn't her mother insane?

Nolan: You have never been this insensitive, Stella. What's wrong with you? And how did you know about her mother's condition?

Estelle opened her eyes, looking around her still sad, and heard their arguing.

Estelle (panicking): I have to head to mom's grave!

Nolan (stopping her): Calm down. I already got a message. If you can, you will be the chief mourner of your mother's funeral. They haven't dug her grave yet!

Estelle: I will be, of course. I have to head there!

Stella expressed concern: I offer you my whole condolence, Estelle. I am really sorry about your mother!

Estelle (coldly): Thank you. I should get going!

Nolan (worried): You don't need to leave on your own. I will accompany you.

Estelle (coldly): I said no need to. I already have a driver; the murderer sent it to me. I am leaving.

Estelle put on her shoes and left.

Stella (annoyed): So you took a day off just for her sake!

Nolan (annoyed): Stella, you should stop. Could you show some compassion? She lost her mother in front of her eyes. I won't argue with you now.

Nolan took his jacket.

Stella (asking): Where are you going?

Nolan (calmly but firmly): I need to make sure Estelle gets there safely.

In the afternoon at the funeral, people offered condolences to Estelle. Lisa was standing near her for support, along with Nolan.

Lucas finally arrived from the airport, running toward Estelle and hugging her with all his strength, his eyes filled with pain. Estelle was still devastated.

Lucas: I am sorry for coming late. I couldn't find a plane to get to you as soon as I could.

Since their relationship was revealed, he couldn't care less about appearances.

Estelle showed a sad smile, her eyes filled with tears: It's the first time you hugged me in front of everyone. Also, you weren't there when I needed you by my side. Why?

Estelle, still in pain: If you have forgotten our promise from years ago, you should feel guilty, even a little.

Lucas lowered his head, feeling regret.

Nolan, with a disgusted look: What kind of boyfriend are you? Living for your own job—you are nothing but a selfish human being.

Suddenly, Michael entered the funeral with Layla, and the eyes of everyone were fixated on them.

Estelle realized their presence and faced them at the entrance.

Estelle, shouting in pain: Leave, murderer! Aren't you ashamed of bringing this woman and attending this funeral? How can you try to attend the funeral of the person you killed with your own hands? Don't you feel a bit of guilt? If you have any pride, leave this place immediately. I won't let you taint it with your presence.

Estelle, yelling with a painful expression: Leave, murderer, and take this woman with you. You were the last person she saw. You caused her death!

Michael, with an angry and cold expression: Show some respect. She will be a member of the family in one week.

Layla tried to stop him from speaking, but she couldn't.

Estelle, filled with rage, then smiled and started applauding: Look at him, people! After causing his ex-wife's death, he decided to celebrate it with his wedding. There is no one dirtier than this man.

Estelle held a lighter, shouting with all her force, her eyes darkened: Leave right now, or I will burn this place with you in it! Leave, I said, leave!

Nolan, Lucas, and Lisa tried to calm Estelle, holding her because she had lost her sense of logic and become uncontrollable.

Estelle, shouting: Let me burn him! I want him to suffer like my poor mother did. I want to avenge her!

Then Estelle started crying nonstop.

As the funeral was about to end, Estelle was resting her head on Lucas's lap, exhausted from the emotional toll. People were beginning to leave, offering their final condolences. Piper approached them, a somber expression on her face.

Estelle, noticing Piper: What is this girl doing here?

Piper: My condolences, Estelle. Lucas, we need to talk.

Estelle looked up, frustration evident in her eyes as she sensed the tension.

Estelle: Why do you have to leave so early, Lucas? Can't you stay a little longer?

Lucas remained silent, unable to meet her gaze.

Piper, stepping in: He gave me a promise once I found him an airplane ticket. It concerns a matter that he must attend to immediately. Isn't that right, Lucas?

Lucas remained silent, his eyes cast down.

Estelle, her voice rising: Why aren't you speaking? Fine, I realize everything now. I never thought you were such a coward, Lucas. Leave and never come back. I know well what she wants from you. Thank you for being my boyfriend all this time.

Lucas looked at her, his eyes filled with regret, but he said nothing. He stood up, hesitated for a moment as if he wanted to say something, but then turned and walked away with Piper. Estelle watched them go, her heart breaking all over again.

Estelle, with tears, whispered to herself: I thought you were different, Lucas. I thought you cared.

While Lucas was leaving, he saw the investors from the Killian family trying to enter, so he directly interfered furiously.

Lucas to Killian's investors: "I am sorry, but we can't agree to your presence here. You better leave for Miss Estelle's sake."

One of the Killians: "And who are you to turn us away?"

Lucas: "I think you already recognize me. There's no need for an introduction, but your presence will only worsen Estelle's condition."

Killian's investor: "You seem brave to block our way."

Piper, worried: "What's going on, Lucas?"

Lucas to the Killians: "I warned you. Don't take another step closer."

Lucas called the guards: "Guards, I am giving you orders as Miss Estelle's partner since she's responsible here. Don't let any of the Killian family get closer. They will only worsen Estelle's condition. Even Mr. Jefferson can't intervene in this, as it's about his daughter's health. Am I clear?"

Lucas, furiously in a low voice: "You better leave and never come near her again."

The guards listened to Lucas and asked the Killians to leave, but they insisted.

Nolan realized the argument and came directly.

Nolan, with a cold tone: "What's going on here?"

The investors introduced themselves and told Nolan what happened.

Nolan, coldly: "So? If her long-time partner says you will make her condition worse, then he is right. I agree with the guards. I don't care who you are; the only thing that matters is Estelle's state."

The investors reluctantly got back to their cars, but one of them turned around and locked eyes with Lucas and Nolan.

Investor: "Both of you better not regret what you said."

Nolan, with a mocking smile: "Is he truly threatening me?"

Lucas stared at Nolan, as if to tell him to take care of Estelle, then left too.

Then, Estelle saw flowers and roses similar to her mother’s taste, they were her favorites. A beautiful lullaby from the piano suddenly started playing. Estelle’s eyes filled with tears; it was her mother’s favorite lullaby. She followed the sound and found Nolan playing the piano.

Estelle, in a cracked tone: "How did you know?"

Nolan, with a smile: "I saw them in the building and also saw the lullaby you wrote as your mother's favourite in that building. I’m sorry if I intervened in your things; I thought it was the best way to pay homage to her.

Estelle shook her head and then smiled, her voice tender as she cried: "No way, it's very beautiful. Thank you.

Estelle, facing Nolan and placing her hand on his shoulder: "Can you help me break off their marriage again, Nolan?"

Nolan, with a determined smile: Of course,I am with you in your decisions.

Despite this touching moment,Estelle, overwhelmed by the events, wanted to leave and spend some time alone, but Nolan didn't want to let her go on her own.

Nolan, gently but firmly: "Estelle, it's not safe for you to be alone right now.

Estelle, frustrated: "I need space to clear my head."

Lisa, stepping in with a calm voice: "Why don't you come stay with me, Estelle? Simon is on a work trip, so you can have all the space you need,

Estelle looked at Lisa, considering the offer, but then shook her head: "I appreciate it, Lisa, but I really need to be by myself."

Nolan, determined: "Yes, Lisa's place is perfect for you right now."

Estelle sighed, her resolve weakening: "I don't know..."

Lisa, reassuringly: I'll make sure you have your privacy, but I'll be there if you need anything.

After a lot of back and forth, Estelle finally agreed, feeling exhausted by the arguments.

Lisa smiled gently, taking Estelle's hand: "Let's go, Estelle

They went to the building that Estelle wanted to dedicate to her mother.

Lisa wondered: "What is this place? You won’t go to the roof, will you?"

Lisa had no idea about what had happened before.

Estelle, with a smile: "No way, I learned my lesson."

Then Estelle told Lisa about the building.

Lisa's eyes filled with tears, but she avoided crying.

Estelle walked directly to the garden, and Lisa followed her from afar, observing her.

Estelle suddenly stopped. She started digging in the soil, then took her mother's hairpin out of her pocket and placed it there.

Lisa felt sorry for her but kept watching as Estelle began speaking to herself.

Estelle, with tender eyes: "Goodbye, Mother."

After that, she stood up, washed her face with water from a faucet near a tree, and started saying to herself:

Estelle: "You are strong enough to face anything, Estelle. Come back to your senses."

Also, a message from the Killians had arrived, saying they weren't greeted gratefully at the funeral. She left the text and started shouting:

Estelle: "I will destroy that ominous marriage and make everyone beg me for mercy from now on, and I will crush anyone in my way."

Lisa was surprised and said: "Are you truly alright, Estelle?"

Estelle answered her with a smile: "I have never been better. Let's go home, Lisa.

In the car, Estelle asked Lisa a question out of curiosity

Estelle: "Lisa, how did you manage to let your boyfriend go on a work trip?"

Lisa, driving, sighed softly: "It was Dad's plan. He suspects our relationship."

Estelle, her voice barely above a whisper: "You mean like mine?"

Lisa, with determination: "Not exactly. I won't let him stay away for long. I'll do whatever I can to bring him back soon."

Lisa, a mischievous glint in her eye: "I'll make myself seem sick and create new patients to fill his schedule so he’ll have to come back."

Estelle, with a brief smile, her eyes glistening: "You are crazy, Lisa."

Lisa, laughing lightly: "Of course. Who knew we’d be this close, sharing these things so easily?"

Lisa, her voice softening: "I never imagined telling a friend about him."

Estelle, her tone warm: "Well, I never imagined having you this close. I guess I'm lucky to have you by my side."

Estelle, her voice trembling: "I guess Lucas wasn't brave enough to face what my life would be."

Lisa, shaking her head: "Not at all. He’s like you said, a coward focused on his job."

Estelle, her voice heavy with sorrow: "I thought he was right since the time he first met Michael."

Lisa, with a comforting tone: "He is such a weakling. Don't overthink about him."

Estelle, a tear slipping down her cheek: "Fine, I envy that you have a better boyfriend than me. I thought I was the luckiest."

Lisa, her voice filled with affection: "Well, that’s because I'm a sweet person!"

Estelle, smiling through her tears: "You sure are sweet!"

Lisa, her heart swelling with warmth: Luckily, I made you smile.

When they arrived at Lisa's apartment, Lisa started preparing sweets full of hazelnuts in the middle of the night.

Estelle: "Don't tell me you're going to eat this now!"

Lisa, awkwardly: "It's just a small call for Simon, or should I wet myself with cold water and go outside in this cold?"

Lisa, annoyed: "But I'm not as patient as you. I should check his surroundings as soon as possible. I'll call my secret agent."

Estelle, shocked: "Have you hired an agent?"

Lisa: "Of course not. He's one of the hospital workers but also my agent."

Lisa, annoyed: "You should go get some sleep. You're already tired. I'll get my secret information."

Estelle: "Fine, good night. I feel sorry for your boyfriend!"

The morning came, the birds started singing, and it was a bright one for Estelle. She woke up, dressed in presentable clothes, and prepared herself in the best outfit. Lisa, though very messy, was also getting ready.

Lisa, surprised by Estelle's shining aura: "Estelle? Is that really you? Are you alright?"

Estelle, with a confident look: "Of course it's me! I'm heading to work. I've neglected many things lately, I should fix them."

Lisa, yawning: "I thought you were going to have some rest and take a holiday! If it weren't for the obligatory internship at my dad's hospital, I wouldn't be awake. I'd be scolded otherwise."

At the Jefferson estate, Layla was upset in the empty house. She went to speak with Michael, who was preparing for work.

Layla, in an upset tone: "I am so worried about Estelle. Why did you tell her about our wedding day? I was about to delay it!"

Layla: "Look at this house’s emptiness. I was hoping we would live as a good family, but with these unexpected events, it seems pretty impossible."

Michael, in a deep tone: "I never expected that either. Who would have known that just after seeing my face, she would take such a terrible decision."

Layla, curious: "Why did you visit her after all these years? Was it to beg for pardon?"

Michael, looking down: "It's not entirely that. It's hard to explain, since seeing her again brought back just bad memories."

Layla, comforting him: "You don't have to blame yourself."

Layla put her hand on Michael's shoulder to comfort him, then Michael kissed her forehead and left for work.

Meanwhile, Nolan was focused on his work until he received a text from Lisa informing him that Estelle was acting strangely and had left for work.

Nolan sighed, thinking: "Is she crazy? After facing all of that, she's heading to work. I wonder what she is planning."

Nolan's phone rang. It was Stella, so he picked up.

Stella, in an upset tone: "Nolan, how are you? I was so worried that you refused to speak with me."

Stella: "I wanted to apologize for what I did yesterday."

Nolan, in a cold voice: "It's not important, don't worry."

Stella, hesitates: "I wanted to ask you for a favour. Our crew's security system was broken, and yesterday a thief entered our stage. But don't worry, we were able to capture him."

Nolan, in fear: "Are you alright? Do you need me to come visit you?"

Stella, reassuring: "Calm down. Nothing bad happened to anyone. I just wanted your presence for some fixes. I recommended you because I know your ability very well. The company I suggested to you is far from here. You will work with an agreement for a few days during our acting period and then come back. Would you do it for me?"

Nolan: "Yes, I have no problem doing it for your sake."

Stella, in happiness: "Thank you, you are the best boyfriend ever!"

At the Jefferson company, Estelle made an incredible entrance. Everyone in the company was surprised by her presence.

The secretary quickly approached her: "Miss Estelle, we thought you were still on a break, and Mr. Michael is—"

Estelle, with a cold, sarcastic tone: "I never said I was on a break. How could the company CEO leave so much work and take a break? I have the right to be present at my own business, am I right? I still hold stocks."

Estelle, maintaining a cold, confident tone: "Bring me all the investment proposals I rejected to my office right now."

Secretary: "But there is no use; we still faced many losses because you refused them."

Estelle, arrogantly: "Excuse me? It's none of your business. I want to check them, so bring them or get lost."

The secretary lowered her head: "Yes, madam."

Estelle settled into her office and called for a worker.

Worker: "Yes, Miss Estelle? What do you need me for?"

Estelle, with a determined, strict look: "Gather the employees for an urgent meeting with me, and I accept no refusal!"

The worker felt pressured: "Yes, what about the ones who joined the meeting?"

Estelle, confused: "What meeting?"

Worker: "Mr Michael told us not to inform you, but it's with the Killian family."

Estelle showed a mischievous smile: "I think you, as a worker, are worth my expectations. I am heading to the meeting room."

Worker: "But, Miss—"

Estelle, with a confident smile: "I will just be worthy of my position, so you don't need to worry."

Estelle headed to the meeting room. She opened the door gently and showed a bright smile.

Michael, surprised: "Weren't you on a break? What are you doing here?"

Estelle, in a sarcastic tone: "Well, as a CEO, I have to be worthy of my occupation, and it's not a proper way to treat your partner, Mr. Michael."

Estelle, sarcastically: "Since I share an amount of stocks with you, I should at least be informed of the situation. Even if I refused to invest, taking decisions without consulting me is wrong."

The investors stretched out their hands to welcome Estelle.

Estelle, in an arrogant tone: "No need to pretend. I haven't forgotten that I refused to invest in you. We should keep it professional."

Michael: "Estelle, what are you planning to do?"

Estelle, sarcastically: "What's wrong? I'm not planning anything. I'm just playing my role since they changed their mind from taking ten percent of the benefit to thirty."

Jeremiah, showing a smile: "We didn't change our mind. We are reaching for the best."

Estelle glared at Jeremiah with a sharp look.

Estelle, apathetically: "Well, sorry for mistaking you. However, I never thought you would hide your funds in Australia from us."

Michael, in confusion: "What funds?"

Estelle, pretending to be surprised: "Oh, Mr. Michael, you didn't know about this? I guess this is my role, after all. There were funds under Mr. Jeremiah's name in Australia. I thought partnership suggested honesty."

Jeremiah, annoyed but smiling: "Well, it's not necessary to know this kind of information."

Estelle, smiling disgustedly: "You are right, but as a CEO, I should be aware of everything. Have a good day!"

Estelle left the meeting and headed to the one she organized.

The workers: "Miss Estelle, why did you gather us here?"

Estelle, with a serious demeanor: "First of all, I want to apologize for all the losses I caused to this company. I am ready to fix things up and pay you all for your hard work. Also, if I prove the latest investment is wrong and full of flaws, I suggest I be the only one responsible for this company."

The workers showed no sign of approval and were left speechless.

Estelle, smiling: "Of course, I never said directly switching your sides, but I have no intention of losing, even if I will be on my own."

Michael called Estelle to his office, and he was angry.

Estelle, showing no care: "What is wrong, Mr. Michael?"

Michael, furiously: "What's with this attitude and these actions? Have you lost your mind? What do you mean by winning the company over?"

Estelle, confidently: "Well, even if you have a large amount of industrial stocks, I have ones too. That means you can't fire me. I am doing my job as a CEO. If I start a war against you, Mr. Michael, I have no intention of losing. Remember that well!"

Estelle left the office.

Estelle went to a cafe near the ocean and met with Lisa there.

Lisa started complaining about her father forcing her to work a lot. Then Nolan arrived.

Nolan, with a smile: "I managed to spare you some free time. Are you alright?"

Estelle, with a smile: "I told both of you that I am better. Why can't you believe me?"

Lisa annouyed: Alright but why did you call both of us?

Estelle, smiling: "Because you are my supporting sides."

Lisa, rolling her eyes: "I never said I supported you. So, what's your news?"

Estelle explained everything that happened to Nolan and Lisa.

Lisa, in shock: "What? Are you planning to take over your father's company and send him to jail? Are you crazy?"