Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2094

Charlie suddenly flashed back to the days when the four of them lived here, to when he taught her how to charm the one she fancied. She shot back with a cheeky retort, "As if I'd like you!"

Even though times had changed, that jab still irked him!

He sighed and said with mock resentment, "Fine, you're all thicker than thieves, and here I am, the odd one out!"

Kya shouted with childlike enthusiasm, "Daddy, I'll be the odd one like you!"

Laughter filled the room.

Charlie's eyes twinkled with affection, "That's my girl Kya, daddy's little princess!"

"Quit your bellyaching and get on with peeling the potatoes!" Jonathan dragged him back to the kitchen.

In the living room, Emily handed her homemade pastry to Estelle, "Is everything sorted out? I was so worried when I was abroad, but Charlie told me to trust you and Jonah's competency! And sure enough, as soon as you two got back, all the problems just dissolved. I'm seriously in awe!"

Estelle replied with a gentle smile, "They were but lies easily torn apart."

Emily said gravely, "The Crawleys had their agenda, but it was when the Macclains struck at you that I really felt a knot in my stomach. Being betrayed by family, nobody gets it more than I do. When I came back last night, I wasn't worried about anything else, but I dreaded the Macclains coming to you, begging for mercy!"

The pain of being abandoned by kin, then witnessing their tearful pleas, was a heart-wrenching torment!

Estelle paused for a moment before speaking softly, "Even children know that misdeeds come with consequences; adults should understand even more that evil actions have their price. If tears and begging could always earn forgiveness, then there'd be no stopping them from recklessness in the future."

Emily nodded, her gaze filled with warmth as she looked at Estelle, "Whether you forgive the Macclains or not, I'll support you and stand by your side because I understand the reasons behind any choice you make."

Estelle's eyes were clear and resolved, "Yeah, I know what needs to be done. The Macclains are rotten to the core; it's time for a new deal."

Emily gave a soft smile, "There's always something I can learn from you. I hope one day I can have your kind of courage."

Estelle shook her head, "Everyone's journey is different, no need to emulate me. You are already the best version of yourself."