Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1858

The wedding reception was in full swing, with Morrison Langston and his bride Magdalen Sampson making their way around the room, toasting their guests. Sophia had stepped out to take a call, and one of the bridesmaids had to leave early, leaving only Estelle and Gabrielle to flank Magdalen's side.

Toasting was largely a formality. Whether Magdalen actually drank was at her discretion—no one dared to pressure her, and there was certainly no need for Estelle or Gabrielle to step in to deflect any unwanted drinks.

As they approached the Macclain family's table, Elizabeth, eager to curry favor with the Sampsons, made a point of acknowledging Estelle in front of Magdalen. But before the newlyweds could reach her table, Elizabeth rose and called out with feigned affection, "Estelle, darling!"

Magdalen glanced at the Macclains but didn't miss a beat, continuing right to the next table.

Morrison, his arm around Magdalen's waist, was all too happy to indulge her impulse.

Estelle remained cool and detached, ignoring Elizabeth's greeting as if it were never uttered.

Elizabeth's smile froze awkwardly on her face. Surrounded by so many onlookers, she felt a hot flush of embarrassment and sat back down, pretending to ignore the snickers and murmurs from nearby guests.

Her expression darkened as she hissed to Simone, "Sabina was right; your daughter really does need discipline!"

Simone replied in a low, stern voice, "I told you to ignore her. She's never paid us any mind!"

Natalia scoffed, "And to think, you were always defending Estelle. Turns out she doesn't even acknowledge her families!"

Leonie, unbothered, retorted, "Recognition isn't something you just talk about. And why should Estelle acknowledge us? Maybe we should all take a hard look in the mirror before we go criticizing others."

Her words seemed to offend everyone at the table.

Natalia was so angry she almost had a heart attack on the spot!

Sabina glared at Estelle's retreating figure, the memory of a certain scene outside pricking at her like a venomous thorn.

Meanwhile, Emily and her friends, including Marina Evert and Aimee Jordan, were engrossed in conversation when Magdalen approached. They quickly raised their glasses in celebration.

"I just saw Kya," Magdalen beamed. "She's become the darling among the aunts, and one lady even took off her jade necklace to let her play with it like it was a marble!"

The presence of Carson and the others ensured that Morrison and Magdalen couldn't escape without drinking from the bridal cup, and they even insisted Magdalen toast each person individually.

Magdalen obliged, starting with Jonathan. "Mr. Lamont, it's a true honor to have you come from such a distance. Even though it wasn't just for me, I'm delighted all the same. This first toast is to you!"

Charlie, half-joking, suggested, "Maybe someone else should give this toast?"

His implication was clear—he meant Estelle—but before she could react, Gabrielle squeezed past her, glass in hand, and declared, "Allow me to toast Mr. Lamont on Magdalen's behalf!"

The room fell quiet, all eyes on Gabrielle, anticipating the drama.

Magdalen, familiar with Gabrielle from childhood but not close, watched her eagerness with a cold smirk. Gabrielle had been quick to avoid toasting earlier, yet now she was more than keen to step up for Jonathan.

Jonathan's eyes were cool and distant as he turned to Charlie, "You made the suggestion, you do the honors."

Charlie's smirk broadened, "If I'm to drink, one cup won't suffice."