Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1852

Old Mr. Quintin wasn't his usual gentle self today; a hint of sternness marked his features as he spoke, "No need for that. Just be good to Estelle."

Jonathan, taken aback, struggled to recall a moment when he had ever neglected Estelle.

Beside him, Old Mr. Jarvis chimed in, "You old coot, when your grandson-in-law offers you a toast, you should grab the glass, not put on airs!"

Old Mr. Quintin shot him a glare, "Then why don’t you take it and drink it yourself!"

Geoffrey stood up, "If Jonathan has fallen short in the past, I'll apologize to Old Mr. Quintin on his behalf. Or perhaps, should I personally offer you a toast?"

Estelle approached Old Mr. Quintin, tugging at his sleeve.

In a tempered voice, Old Mr. Quintin said, "Your grandpa's not here in J City, but as long as I am, even though I'm getting on in years, I can still watch over you. If anyone gives you grief, they’ll have me to answer to!"

Jonathan, accustomed to respect and authority, had never been dressed down like this, not even by Geoffrey. Yet, he didn't show a trace of irritation and retained his composure, speaking gently,

"Rest assured, I fear for Ella's well-being more than anyone else."

"Master!" Estelle called out again.

Old Mr. Quintin looked at her, his features softening. Finally, he accepted the cup from Jonathan's hand, "I'm not some stubborn old relic. As long as you treat Estelle well, I'll see it."

Jonathan offered a warm smile, "Thank you!"

After the ceremony, Estelle said her goodbyes to the elders and quickly whisked Jonathan away.

Once they were out of the banquet hall, Estelle let out a sigh of relief, "He was a bit harsh with you earlier. I didn't expect him to call you out in public."

"It's okay, I'm actually happy!" Jonathan said, holding Estelle's hand with a tender voice, "I'm truly glad that before I came into your life, there were so many who cherished you!"

Estelle looked down with a soft smile, "Yes, he has always been good to me, just like Grandpa."

After they left, Mr. Scott thought of Manley, who had also returned. Concerned about a potential clash with Jonathan, he decided to leave the party to find Manley and persuade him not to butt heads with Jonathan.

Downstairs in the banquet hall, Mr. Scott ran into some old friends. While chatting, one of them laughed, "Manley's back too, even acted as a groomsman. Scared me when I saw him step out!"

"Yes!" Mr. Scott agreed. "He's on good terms with the bride and groom, made it a point to come back!"

"Manley's doing a bang-up job managing the company in Australia, really impressive. No matter where he is, he stands on his own two feet," his friend praised. "Perfect timing, my daughter just got back from Sydney. I should introduce them."

Mr. Scott was eager for Manley to find a girlfriend and settle down, smiling he nodded, “She’s twenty-three this year, right? I heard she's had a few successful tours, quite remarkable!"

"She's been passionate about ballet since she was a little girl, and we fully support her career!"

As they conversed, Mr. Scott caught sight of Manley passing through the foyer and called out to him, "Manley, come here!"

Manley approached with a casual smile, "Mr. Bradshaw."