Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3558

Barton sat on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. Rowena threw off the covers, slipped out of bed, and nestled herself right beside him.

"You haven't been to see me in days. Have you been that busy?" she asked softly.

Catching the scent of her perfume, a sudden wave of restlessness washed over Barton. He gave a dismissive nod. "Work has been demanding lately."

His phone rang. He stood up and stepped out onto the balcony to take the call.

Before Dr. Rowland even arrived, Barton left. Rowena stood on the balcony, watching his car pull out of the driveway. The delicate paleness of her complexion gave way to a dark, brooding scowl.

*

Claire was genuinely shocked when Barton returned. Had the other woman recovered that quickly?

Clearly, Mr. Foster really was a miracle cure!

Knowing Miranda usually took a nap around this time, Barton sat himself on the sofa, casually sipping his tea. Feigning nonchalance, he said, "I think I'll stay the night."

Claire poured him more tea, her tone perfectly steady and unyielding. "That won't be possible, sir. You are only permitted to stay overnight on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Those are Mrs. Foster's rules."

Barton's pride took a hit. His voice dropped, laced with irritation. "This is my house. Since when do I need permission to stay here?"

Claire looked genuinely puzzled. "It's been this way for years, sir. Why are you suddenly trying to rebel against Mrs. Foster now?"

Barton was rendered completely speechless.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Then I'll stay for dinner."

"Didn't you say the food here was too plain for your tastes?" Claire countered effortlessly.

Barton glared at her. "Have my wife and I been too lenient with you? You're completely out of line!"

Claire immediately adopted a stance of perfect submission, lowering her eyes. "The only rules I follow are the ones set by Mrs. Foster."

Choking on his own frustration, Barton found himself utterly unable to form a comeback.

He shoved his teacup away, stood up, and stormed up the stairs.

It was a painfully flimsy excuse, but he delivered it with complete earnestness. Miranda didn't bother calling him out on it and simply continued down the hall.

After saying his prayers, Barton decided he wanted to sit in the serene silence of the chapel a little longer. He ended up staying there until nightfall.

At dinner, Barton enthusiastically dug into the vegetarian spread. "Eating healthy really does clear the mind. The food is excellent tonight. Claire, double the chef's salary."

Claire looked at Miranda in surprise.

Miranda kept her eyes cast down and said softly, "Do as he says."

Only then did Claire nod. "Understood."

Barton felt a flash of irritation, acutely aware that he had absolutely zero authority in his own home. But a moment later, when Miranda's slender hands passed him a bowl of soup, his annoyance vanished without a trace.

After dinner, Miranda sat down to copy her scriptures. Barton pretended to be deeply engrossed in a book in the study, waiting until she was finished and ready for bed.

As she retired for the night, Barton stood up and looked at Claire, who was guarding the door. "I won't go into her room. Can I just sleep in the guest suite next door?"