Henson trotted over, eager to join in on the fun, but Charlie waved him off, "C'mon, kiddo, cards ain't for you. Go hang with my little Kya!"
With a crestfallen look, Henson picked up Kya and walked away, but Kya was quite smitten with Henson, her chubby little hands cupping his face as she continuously chanted, "Brother, brother!"
Charlie inquired, "How are we settling wins and losses?"
Emily suggested, reminiscent of old times, "How about we do it like 'Turtle Stamp'?"
Marina chuckled, "Or we could play like 'Truth or Dare.' The one who messes up gets a penalty, and the winner gets to call the shots!"
Carson chimed in, "I like that!"
Jonathan wore an indifferent expression, "You guys figure it out. It's your call anyway."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, "What, you think you and Estelle are unbeatable?"
"Absolutely!" Jonathan replied with pride, "Ella and I fight side by side, always victorious!"
Charlie scoffed, "As if you two have some sort of telepathy!"
Magdalen squinted mischievously, "Jonathan, hate to break it to you, but Ella is my mole in enemy territory!"
Jonathan's laugh was steady and confident, "Even if she is, I have the skills to win her over!"
Charlie grinned like a fox, "What skills would those be?"
Laughter echoed from the crowd.
Jonathan leaned in and kissed Estelle in front of everyone, "Ella, they're just jealous of us!"
Estelle's ears reddened momentarily, but her face remained composed, "Time for a massacre!"
Jonathan's smile deepened, "You lead the charge, I've got your back!"
Morrison, with his debonair smile, added, "Never had the chance to play cards with Mr. Lamont. Today's the day!"
Jonathan leaned in close, helping her lay down a card.
Estelle quickly refocused on the game.
Everyone else seemed to be syncing well with their partners, except Marina and Carson, who were at odds. Marina's intended plays were opposed by Carson, and Marina didn't listen to a word Carson said.
As fate would have it, Carson, acting on his own, played a card that set Charlie up for a win.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, while Marina glared at Carson furiously, "You must be the mole they sent!"
Carson protested, "If you had listened to me and played this card earlier, we'd be the winners now!"
Charlie laughed, "Forget about winning or losing. You're a team, for better or worse!"
Marina and Carson said in unison, each with a hint of disdain,
"Who said we're a couple?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....