Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3549

As the group headed toward the exit, Carson took a phone call and fell a few steps behind. The restaurant manager took the opportunity to approach him, his expression completely deferential. "Mr. Foster, was the meal to your satisfaction?"

Carson offered a polite nod. "It was excellent. My fiancée really enjoyed the steak."

A look of delighted surprise crossed the manager's face. "It was our absolute honor, sir."

He quickly continued, "Our owner explicitly instructed us that whenever you dine with us, whether alone or with guests, the entire bill is to be completely comped. I wasn't paying close enough attention earlier and missed your friend paying the check. I'll have the front desk refund his card immediately."

Carson considered it for a moment, then waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Let it be."

The manager looked conflicted, offering an anxious smile. "I'm just worried the boss will reprimand us if he finds out."

"It's a minor detail. He won't care," Carson chuckled softly.

Standing roughly forty feet away near the entrance, Trixie happened to glance back. She spotted a sharply dressed man speaking with Carson. The man's posture was incredibly submissive and respectful.

She turned to a nearby waiter. "Who is that man in the black suit?"

The waiter smiled politely. "That is our general manager, ma'am."

Trixie froze.

Summer overheard the exchange and let out a soft gasp of realization. "Oh, I see. It was Carson who knew the manager all along!"

A hot flush of embarrassment burned Trixie's cheeks, quickly curdling into intense displeasure. "They probably just met in passing. My boyfriend is the actual VIP here."

Seeing Trixie's darkened expression, Summer decided not to push the issue and stayed quiet.

A moment later, Carson rejoined the group, stepping smoothly to Marina's side. "Does everyone have a ride sorted out?"

"I called a cab. It should be pulling up any second," Summer replied.

Colby checked his phone. "I've got a designated driver on the way."

Just as they spoke, Summer's cab and Colby's driver pulled up to the curb. Carson wrapped an arm around Marina's shoulders, smiling warmly at the group. "Looks like our ride is here, too."

Carson had originally been introduced to Summer and the others under rather chaotic circumstances at a nightclub. Assuming their paths would never cross again, Marina had woven a harmless lie about his identity to keep things simple.

Now, she had no idea how to untangle the mess.

"As long as you want to keep it a secret, I'll diligently play the role of the humble Mr. Foster, the man behind the scenes." Carson's low, elegant laugh filled the quiet car. "We can just give them a massive surprise on our wedding day."

"They'd lose their minds, especially Trixie." Marina paused, then shot him a sideways glance. "And who said I was agreeing to marry you?"

Carson reached out, pulling her tight against his side. His long, elegant fingers lightly toyed with her earlobe. His voice dropped to a dangerous, husky pitch. "Who else could you possibly marry? Is there anyone out there better than me?"

The gentle friction sent a shiver down her spine. She turned her head, trying to escape his distracting touch. "You never know."

Carson's grip tightened just a fraction. Marina let out a sharp gasp. "Ouch!"

"Good. Let it serve as a reminder," he murmured, a mocking smirk playing on his lips. "Keeping your options open, are we?"

Marina swatted his hand away, tilting her head with a triumphant grin. "Did you just compare yourself to a donkey?"