Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3578

Marina frowned. "Why? They're supposed to be evaluating the art, not the artist!"

"It's a direct mandate from the head organizer," Wyndham explained. "I don't get it either, which is why I keep badgering you. Being featured alongside master comic artists is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You know that better than anyone!"

Marina tilted her head back to stare up at the night sky. The conflict tore at her chest, a physical ache threatening to rip her in two. She had never been faced with such an agonizing choice.

Laughter drifted over from the party. She turned her head. Through the faint, silvery mist of the evening, she could see Carson's gaze resting steadily on her.

Once a choice was made, it had to be seen through. Flip-flopping now would only cause more collateral damage.

"I'm sorry."

With that final apology, she hung up.

She drew in a deep breath of the crisp night air, waiting until her racing pulse steadied before heading back to the table.

A thick wool blanket draped over her chair, keeping the seat warm despite her absence. Carson poured her a mug of hot cocoa and handed it over. "Everything okay?"

She had already said no; there was no point in complicating things further. Shaking her head, she offered a light smile. "It's nothing."

Carson gave a brief nod, enveloping her hand in his to warm her chilled fingers.

Making casual conversation, Colby asked what line of work Carson was in. "Management, I suppose," Carson replied with a smooth smile.

"Hey, we're in the same boat!" Colby declared instantly.

He launched into a breakdown of his college major and his personal critique of modern corporate management philosophies. To be fair, he was knowledgeable and had some solid, independent theories.

"The owner of this place is basically running a charity," Colby joked.

*

Trixie was on her way back from the restroom when she spotted a figure smoking beneath the arched corridor. Recognizing Carson, she was about to step forward to say something when she noticed someone else approaching him from the opposite direction.

The lighting was dim, but based on the tailored suit and posture, it looked like the estate manager they had met upon arrival.

The manager had only greeted them once, telling them to enjoy themselves before practically vanishing. At the time, Trixie had thought the staff here were incredibly lax.

Trixie slipped forward a couple of steps, hiding behind a stone pillar to eavesdrop.

Carson leaned against a column, taking a drag of his cigarette. The estate manager stopped a few feet away, bowing his head in profound respect. "Sir, the upstairs rooms are prepared. You and Ms. Evert are in the master suite on the third floor, while the rest of the guests have been placed in the second-floor guest rooms."