When she returned, she bumped into Clarice outside the private dining room.
Clarice was holding a bottle of wine and said to Estelle, "This is some good stuff, Estelle. Let's have a drink together!"
Estelle stared at her, not responding.
Clarice, smiling, pushed the door open and purposely waited for Estelle to step out. Then, raising the wine bottle, she announced, "Estelle's treating everyone to a drink. Let's thank Estelle!"
Estelle turned to look at Clarice, who, looking triumphant, raised an eyebrow at Estelle.
Everyone turned to Estelle, surprised. "Estelle, you're so generous! Did you make a lot of money recently?"
"Estelle, didn't know you're loaded!"
"Thanks, Estelle, this is my first time drinking such expensive wine!"
Estelle's expression did not change. She merely nodded and smiled lightly. "This is my first time dining with everyone, I hope you all enjoy yourselves."
The director stood up and said, "Estelle, isn't this wine too expensive? We're all friends here, no need for this!"
"It's fine as long as everyone has a good time," Estelle said, nodding and calmly returning to her seat.
Clarice excitedly called in the waiter to open the bottle and poured wine into everyone's glasses.
Clarice did this to humiliate Estelle.
Estelle shook her head, "No need."
"What do you mean no need? Even though we know it's Clarice's doing, we can't let her make a fool of us when it's time to pay!" Craig frowned.
"Just wait and see, really, no need!" Estelle raised her glass to Craig, "Drink up, it's a few thousand per sip."
Seeing Estelle still able to joke around, Craig felt a bit helpless.
An hour later, the dinner ended. The director and Estelle went to the front desk to settle the bill, with Craig trailing along, worried about Estelle.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This was soooooo sooooo good! I loved it! Thank you for the updates....
Then Melanie and Noreen will both understand that Emily is his wife, who he chooses and cares to be with. We’ve already had so much drama when Emily took off for three years hiding her pregnancy from Charlie. Emily has already confessed that the only man she loves is Kya father, which Charlie is. Now he needs to boldly claim the only woman he loves is Emily…I just had to add my two cents (he he he)....
Now Charlie needs to take Emily to the marriage office like Gabriel did with Sylvia . Reassure her that he will not take for granted. Thank you for the updates. I’m loving it....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
Wow.. finally they're married now. I thought there will be another separation....
Thank you for the updates of Emily and Charlie. It seem that Orval may knows of Amelia and may be helping Emily get around her,...
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...