Chapter 38 Reckoning Jonathan had called over a dozen times . After texting Chase and Trent to let them know she was safe , Estella finally lay down to rest . Bailey curled up at her feet , bringing her a rare sense of comfort . Finished She slept soundly through the night . The next morning , after getting ready , she went to the police station with Jonathan to give her statement . Once they left the station , Estella turned to him . " There's somewhere I want to go alone . You don't have to come - go to work . Jonathan hesitated , worried . But he knew Estella . She might look quiet and gentle , but once she made up her mind , nothing could stop her . He simply reminded her , " Be careful . " Estella nodded and watched him leave before getting into a taxi bound for Nathaniel's company . Inside the office , Nathaniel was on the phone . " They've all been arrested ? " he asked , anxious . " They won't rat me out , will they ? " When the voice on the other end reassured him , he finally relaxed . " Good . As long as they keep quiet , I'll make sure they're taken care of when they get out . " He ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk , his expression dark and brooding . He had instructed Dan to have Estella detained and released after a set time - no harm to come to her . But somehow the police had gotten involved . Still , at least she'd missed the performance . Estella had only just joined the Symphony Band and already made a huge mistake . He couldn't imagine they'd still want to keep her . If Chase insisted on protecting her , he'd just reach out to the other director , Waylon , and stir things up . There was no way Estella would be able to stay . Thinking this through , he made another call to Waylon . Nathaniel had helped resolve Waylon's family trouble , so Waylon didn't hesitate . " Don't worry , I'll take care of it . Estella already doesn't I get along with the others in the group . No one likes her . If Chase still tries to keep her , it'll cause tension . No matter how much he values her, he'll have to consider the harmony of the whole group . There's no way she can stay ." With that reassurance , Nathaniel's mood improved . Just then , Whitney came in . " Mr. Nathaniel , your wife is here . Should I let her in ? " Nathaniel assumed that after everything Estella had been through last night , she'd finally come to her senses - realized that being his wife was far better than working herself to death . She was here to come back to him . He smiled . " Let her in . " Estella stepped into the Hartwell Group . She remembered how every other time she'd come here , it was to drop off documents . Nathaniel had never once let her into his office . 1/2 Chapter 38 Reckoning No one at the company even knew she was his wife . It was obvious he didn't value her , which was why she avoided coming unless absolutely necessary . She thought today would be the same . But to her surprise . Whitney personally escorted her upstairs . Finished Along the way , Whitney even asked carefully , " Would you like some coffee , ma'am ? Any preference ? I can make it for you in a moment . Estella offered a polite smile . " No need . I won't be staying long . " Seeing her refusal , Whitney didn't dare say more . When Estella walked into the office , Nathaniel dismissed Whitney and closed the door . He looked at her warmly . " What brings you here ? " Without answering . Estella walked over , picked up the glass of water on his desk - and splashed it straight into his face . It happened so fast Nathaniel didn't have time to react . Water dripped down his stunned face . His expression turned dark . He gritted his teeth . " Estella , what the hell are you doing ? " Estella let out a cold laugh . " Doing ? Shouldn't I be the one asking what you've done ? Those kidnappers - weren't they hired by you ? " I don't know what you're talking about , " he lied , avoiding her gaze . She scoffed . " Nathaniel , I didn't know you could stoop this low . What , you don't even have the guts to admit it now ? " Seeing that he couldn't bluff his way out , Nathaniel dropped the act and tried to apologize . " I was wrong . I admit it . But I told them not to hurt you - I just wanted you to come back . That job , Estella , it's not right for you . " He actually thought he was being reasonable . He kept going , trying to convince her . " You're not suited for the spotlight . Remember when we first got married ? Even the maids at the old house walked all over you . How are you supposed to handle the workplace ? Besides , what do you earn from that orchestra gig ? A few thousand a month ? Why not just stay home - I'll give you everything you need . And don't forget your mom . You're so busy - when will you have time for her ? You know her biggest wish is for you to give me a child . You're not getting any younger , Estella . If you don't have a kid soon , it'll be too late He said it all like it made perfect sense .