Sylvia stepped out of the car, clutching her purse. "I'll have all of today's discussion points included in the contract. I'll send you a revised version by Monday. Take your time reviewing it before you send it back to me."
"Will do," Eugene replied with a warm smile.
He followed her out of the car, watching the girl who was parting ways with him. He couldn't help but speak up, "Sylvia, we've known each other for quite some time. I think you know how I feel about you. Could you give me a chance?"
He pulled a diamond ring from his pocket. "I've been carrying this ring around, never mustering the courage to confess to you, Sylvia. Maybe I'm being impulsive today, but this isn't just a whim."
The weather was biting cold, and the nearby streetlamp cast a chilling light that seemed to add a frosty aura to the ring.
Sylvia chuckled softly. "Didn't we agree to only talk business today and leave personal feelings out of it?"
Eugene laughed it off, "I couldn't control myself."
After a moment of thought, Sylvia said gently, "Eugene, I'm sorry, but I can't accept. I've always seen you as a good friend. You know I don't have many friends in this city, and I treasure our friendship. I wouldn't want it to change into something else."
Eugene's hopeful gaze dimmed.
He quickly said, "I rushed things today. Pretend I never said anything. I'll prepare myself better and make a proper confession later. Go on up, you should get inside."
Sylvia wanted to say something, but he had already turned and got back into his car.
She watched him drive away, furrowing her brows in thought.
Gabriel returned to the Quintin residence with Evelyn, who excitedly showed her purchases to Old Mr. Quintin. Gabriel headed to his room first.
After a shower, he donned a bathrobe and sat in a wicker chair on the balcony. He glanced at the contract he'd been reviewing that morning, but quickly lost interest and tossed it aside.
Lighting a cigarette, he was halfway through when his phone chimed with a new message.
"Must be," Old Mr. Jarvis replied cheerily. "Good for young people to have friends."
Old Mr. Quintin gave him a quizzical look. "Nora seemed pretty happy today. They came back together tonight."
Old Mr. Jarvis hummed, "Estelle was picked up by Jonathan. Didn't you hear?"
Old Mr. Quintin frowned. "You're always missing the point. What I'm saying is, they came back in the same car, and Nora was unmistakably joyful. That suggests things are looking up."
Mr. Carnes jested, "Really? True?"
Old Mr. Quintin, on the verge of throwing his teacup in frustration, retorted, "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm thinking. You're just worried that Nora might not be Vivian's daughter and might not match up to your precious Jarvis grandson. Rest assured, even if she isn't, I'd still take her as my goddaughter. She's young and beautiful, certainly a good match for Gab."
Old Mr. Jarvis remained unflustered. "You really don't know my mind. Besides, the young ones have their own thoughts. We can't decide their marriages for them."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Yea,yea,yea so happy for Sylvia, Georgia and Gabriel. Thank you ... now for Evelyn....
Update 2842 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you for the updates....
Evelyn will MAFO that Jonathan has someone checking on her and the Winters family. I really do hope her scheme is revealed and she is put out of the Jarvis family. She's jealous and vindictive. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. Update 2836 isn't working....
Update 2836 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you as always for the updates....
Is author planning to finally reveal Sylvia's true identity? 😍...
I wish that Gabriel would begin his pursuit of Sylvia. Thank you for the updates....
Update 2812 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you...
Waiting patiently for your updates. Thank you....
This was something that could have never come across my thoughts. That is what i love about this story - no stone unturned!! All the side characters have some story 😊...