Jonathan stroked her cheek, "I hope what she's yearning for is family, not money. And I hope she understands what we're trying to do for her. That she stays true to herself and doesn't get blinded by wealth."
Estelle pursed her lips slightly, "I hope she won't. But I'll be careful, too."
"Let's just watch her for a while. If Evelyn really wins over Old Mr. Quintin's heart, it doesn't matter if she's really his or not. And if she's not worth it, we'll just cut her a check. We won't have treated her unfairly."
Estelle nodded, "We'll see what fate has in store for her."
After discussing Evelyn, Jonathan scooped Estelle up in his arms, "Let's freshen up, then have some breakfast. I called Wilma earlier; she's whipping up something delicious for you."
Estelle clung to him, "I've been missing her, too."
Jonathan chuckled softly, "I've never heard you say you missed me."
"Never? I'm sure I've said it lots of times."
"I don't recall," He feigned seriousness.
Estelle didn't argue, just held him tighter, "Well, I'm saying it now, Mr. Lamont. I miss you."
Jonathan's lips curled into a smile, though his tone was teasingly reproachful, "You don't sound convincing at all."
"What counts as convincing?" Estelle asked.
"Come to work with me. If you don't, then every ten minutes, send me a message saying you miss me."
Estelle's eyes widened, "Mr. Lamont, can you not be so flirty, please?"
Jonathan set her down on the vanity, leaned in close with his arms braced on either side, and frowned down at her, "What was that? I didn't catch it, say it again."
With a twinkle in her eyes, Estelle suddenly cupped his face and kissed him deeply.
Willowbrook Plaza
Gabriel stepped out of the shower to find a crisp new shirt and trousers laid out on the bed. They were the same brand and style he usually wore.
Gabriel, dressed now, joined her at the dining table where Sylvia had placed two steaming bowls of seafood pasta.
The aroma was inviting. Gabriel sat down and began to eat, the homey scene softening the usual hard edges of his demeanor. Sylvia couldn't help but steal an extra glance at him before bowing her head to focus on her own meal.
Gabriel made quick work of half the bowl, then complimented in a mild tone, "Your cooking has certainly improved."
Sylvia kept her eyes downcast, voice soft, "Is that the only thing that's improved?"
Gabriel paused, looking up at her, his lips curling into a mocking smile, "Your skin's gotten thicker, too."
Feeling the heat in her ears, Sylvia didn't dare continue teasing him and simply said nonchalantly, "Actually, the seafood pasta is store-bought, not my own doing. But living here for a while, one's cooking is bound to get better."
"Like, whether you're happy or not, you can always cook something to treat yourself."
"Eating a delicious meal can double the joy. And if there's something troubling you, once you're full, it doesn't seem all that important anymore."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Norah isn't a girl, but a twenty -five year old beautiful woman that loves Xavier Fleming/Gonzalez/Hanson....
Update 3103 hasn't been received and it hold pertinent information. Please fix it for us. Thank you....
This is great! I love the updates....
Now Xavier needs to call in the reinforcement, Gabriel and Jonathan to settle this. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
Xavier will always protect Norah he must admit this to himself and Norah. I believe after they return from this , he'll need to approach Norah 's parents and he'll get support from Jonathan and Ella....
I like how you are getting all the different love interest committed, thank you for the updates....
Hoping Manly have his own love story here, atleast a short one...
Emily has finally stood up for herself. Now with Charlie's support, her mother and sister in law will be as quiet as church mice....
Another epic ten updates... this is great! I'm sooo enjoying this. Thank you for the updates....