Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3581

Summer Carlyle was extremely satisfied, repeatedly urging Carson to thank the homeowner on her behalf.

Carson had changed into a light blue button-down layered under a cream-colored trench coat, looking strikingly handsome and effortlessly elegant. He offered a light chuckle.

"The owner said the villa is just sitting empty anyway. Feel free to come over whenever you want to host a party."

Trixie Bell cast a deeply meaningful glance at Carson.

Everyone got into their respective cars and left. Carson drove Marina Evert back toward the Evert family estate, but Marina spoke up. "I miss your mother. I want to go see her."

Carson's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing. We can all grab lunch together."

Marina nodded, turning to look out the window. "Pull over up ahead. I want to buy a bouquet for her."

Carson parked the car and accompanied her into the florist shop. They picked out half a dozen varieties of blooms, which the clerk wrapped in beautiful cellophane.

Marina carried the bouquet as they walked out. Like him, she was dressed in warm tones—a beige trench coat, a cream scarf, and camel-colored suede booties. Cradling the vibrant flowers, her features were radiant and full of life in the sunlight, somehow outshining the blossoms themselves.

Carson's heart skipped a beat. Unable to resist, he cupped her face and planted a hard, fervent kiss on her lips.

Marina froze for a second, glancing around at the pedestrians on the street, a flush creeping up her neck. "Carson, what are you doing?"

Carson didn't say anything, simply lacing his fingers through hers and leading her toward the car.

Carrying the massive bouquet, Marina trailed two steps behind him. Staring at his tall, lean profile, she suddenly recalled the dream he had mentioned that morning.

She had been so resistant to the idea of marriage before, but now, when the topic was brought up again, she realized she wasn't so averse to it anymore.

*

After having lunch with Miranda Foster, Carson drove Marina home.

Watching her walk through the front door, he felt an unexpected pang of loss at the thought of not seeing her for just one night.

With a faint, self-deprecating smile, he started the car and drove off.

Wyndham replied, "Ashen stepped away from the project back then due to special circumstances. She likely has her own unavoidable reasons now."

Warren found it unbelievable. "Does she even realize the prestige of this exhibition? It's a massive event. So many master-class comic artists and animation legends are attending, and she's actually turning it down?"

Wyndham sighed. "Yes, she understands all of that, but she still declined."

Warren scoffed. "Does she think she's a bigger deal than those industry legends? Or is she holding out for certain conditions? Like a bigger payout?"

As he spoke, Warren silently cursed Ashen for being so short-sighted.

Wyndham's tone turned sharp as he defended her. "Ashen isn't like that. She quit right when the series was at its peak and voluntarily paid the breach of contract fees out of pocket. How could she possibly be motivated purely by greed?"

Warren offered an awkward chuckle. "Sorry, I was just guessing."

He paused for a moment before continuing in a flatter tone. "It was Nocturne who demanded Ashen join the exhibition. Let me ask him how he wants to handle this."

"Alright," Wyndham agreed.