Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3495

Marina looked over at Rhiannon, but even her mother was staring at her with blatant disapproval. That collective gaze of disappointment made Marina second-guess herself—maybe her personality really was just awful and unlovable.

She had been in a genuinely good mood when she arrived home today, but now, all of her joy had evaporated. Stripped of any desire to speak, she stood up to leave.

"Madam, ladies, Mr. Foster has arrived!"

A maid hurried into the room to announce his presence.

Marina froze and snapped her gaze toward the entryway.

Carson strolled in wearing a sleek black trench coat that accentuated his tall, athletic build. His striking face bore its usual, effortless half-smile. It was his eyes, though, that were truly captivating—like the reflection of a bright moon on a serene, dark lake. Yet, there was always a lingering veil of mist in his gaze that made it impossible to decipher what he was actually thinking.

Memories of that chaotic night flashed through Marina's mind, making her ears burn. She immediately looked away.

Carson greeted the room with flawless, aristocratic charm before his eyes zeroed in on Marina. A flicker of something crossed his gaze as he asked softly, "What's wrong?"

It was as if he had instantly seen right through her defenses.

Marina forced a tight smile. "Nothing."

"Carson, what brings you by?" Rhiannon asked, her tone instantly warming up.

"We're having a family dinner at the main estate tonight," Carson explained smoothly. "My mother has been missing Marina, so she asked me to come pick her up."

"Oh, that's wonderful! You two should get going, then," Rhiannon beamed.

Given the situation, there was absolutely no way Marina could refuse—especially not in front of Aunt Charlotte and Phoebe. She pasted on a bright smile. "You could have just called. I would have driven over myself."

Carson's expression was a mask of pure devotion. "I wanted to see you sooner."

His unwavering, intensely focused gaze made Marina's heart skip a traitorous beat, even though she knew full well it was entirely an act.

"Grandma, Mrs. Evert, I'll be taking Marina now," Carson said with a polite nod. He turned to leave, naturally lacing his fingers through Marina's as they walked toward the door.

Marina stared blankly out the window, refusing to engage.

Carson let out a sharp, mocking scoff. "Where was all that fire you had when you were screaming at me the other day? You were so incredibly articulate, poking right at my sore spots. You were so fierce then."

Marina frowned, finally turning to look at him. "What sore spots?"

Carson's eyes were pitch-black as a self-deprecating smile touched his lips. "When you told me I'd never be as good as Kai... didn't you know how much that hurt me?"

His tone hovered somewhere between a joke and absolute sincerity, but the words still sent an uncomfortable pang through Marina's chest. She lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Forget it. An insincere apology means nothing," he said flatly.

He fired up the engine and pulled out of the driveway.

They didn't exchange a single word for the entire drive. The specter of Kai had ultimately become an impenetrable wall standing between them.