Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2258

In the cozy living room, Estelle and Grandpa Jarvis were deeply engrossed in a game of chess. Estelle's moves were clumsy at best, requiring constant guidance from Grandpa Jarvis. She listened intently, savoring the moments as if they were lessons in life itself, not just chess strategies. Her phone lit up beside her, breaking the concentration. It was a message from Magdalen:

"Darling, it's all set. Wait for the surprise tomorrow!

Estelle couldn't help but respond with an enthusiastic thumbs-up emoji.

Grandpa Jarvis looked up, curiosity painting his face. "What's got you so excited?"

Estelle put down her phone and picked up a chess piece, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Magdalen's coming over tomorrow!"

"Magdalen? But didn't she just get married? I thought she was spending the holidays with the Langstons," Grandpa Jarvis expressed his surprise.

Estelle focused on the chessboard, replying, "Yes, but she insisted on delivering a gift to you before joining them. She won't stay long."

"If it's just for the gift, she shouldn't have to make the trip," Mr. Carnes chimed in.

"Don't worry about it!" Estelle teased, eager to keep the surprise. "The gift she's bringing you is something she wants to deliver in person."

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Grandpa Jarvis dismissed the mystery with a wave of his hand. "Always so secretive!"

The heating in the room made it quite warm, prompting Estelle to wear just a light sweater. Feeling a bit overheated, she reached for the window to let in some fresh air.

The chilly breeze was instantly refreshing.

Outside, Jonathan glanced back and promptly closed the window Estelle had opened.

"Don't," Estelle protested, reopening the window, her fair face peeking out. "It's too hot!"

"You'll catch a cold with the draft," Jonathan warned, closing the window once again.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

This time, Estelle complied, leaving the window closed.

Gabriel turned to Jonathan with a smirk. "You always say Estelle only listens to Grandpa, but it seems she listens to you just as well."

Jonathan's tone was teasing, yet his

gaze held a fondness. "With her love for cool air and her disdain for the

cold who knows what she'd he

without someone to look after her?"

The conversation drifted off as Gabriel caught a thoughtful look, his eyes lingering on the closed window before gazing into the distance.

The next morning at nine, Sylvia and Magdalen met up at the airport.

Glancing at her watch, Sylvia said, "We've got some time before boarding. Pass me the client files; I'll take a look now."

"There's no rush. We can discuss it once we're there," Magdalen casually replied.

Sylvia raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "You're always so prepared, especially for important clients. Why the change of pace?"

Dressed in a striking red coat and a chic black beret, complemented by designer diamond earrings,

Magdalen's smile was radiant. "This client is... unique. Knowing too much in advance might actually hinder your approach."

"Really? Now you've got me curious," Sylvia quipped.

"Let's keep that curiosity alive," Magdalen laughed, suggesting they grab a coffee to wake up properly.

The two made their way to the airport café, chatting and laughing as they went.

Upon arriving in C City by noon, the Sampson family's local branch had a driver waiting to pick up Magdalen.

They drove through the bustling city

center toward the lush, green outskirts, where the landscape transformed into rolling hills and scenic beauty. Nestled within the forest were pristine white villas, marking the city's affluent area.

et

But this was no ordinary affluent neighborhood. Here, money alone couldn't guarantee a spot; it was a place where exclusivity and prestige reigned supreme.