Magdalen flashed a mischievous grin, "The daughter-in-law's practically through the door; good times are knocking!"
Upstairs in her bedroom, Emily sat in front of her computer, "Getting that promotion to senior designer after the New Year is the real deal for me."
Magdalen chuckled, "You're turning into quite the career woman. Don't push yourself too hard, you've got Charlie!"
"It's precisely because he's ahead that I need to hustle even more." Emily pretended to sigh heavily, resting her chin on her hand, "The pressure's immense!"
Estelle and Magdalen burst into laughter.
Estelle inquired, "Where's Kya?"
Emily angled her phone towards the balcony outside, "She's setting off fireworks in the yard with Dad and the grandparents."
Magdalen added, "Guess that leaves me as the bore. I'm just at the Langston's, having dinner and watching the New Year's show. Nothing more."
Estelle suggested, "You could get Morrison to play cards with you!"
"I've been swamped with visitors, hardly a moment to breathe." Magdalen slouched on the couch, "This holiday's been a drag. I'm heading over to Ella's tomorrow afternoon."
Her spirits lifted as she spoke, nudging Emily, "You and Charlie should come too, bring Kya!"
Emily was tempted, "I do miss Old Mr. Jarvis!"
Estelle beamed, "Then it's settled, we'll meet up in C City!"
"Yes, yes!" Magdalen was visibly excited, "I'll post a message in the group chat, see who else is up for it."
The anticipation of tomorrow's reunion lifted everyone's spirits.
After a bit more chatter, Emily shared, "Mom called this morning, asked if I wanted to bring Kya back home for the holidays."
Magdalen frowned, "What did you say?"
Emily's eyes cooled, "I told her that wasn't my home."
Mr. James had always been welcoming, asking about her work and life, offering advice like a father, and even giving her money to buy whatever she liked, just as he would for his own daughter.
But she never accepted the money.
Her earnings were more than enough for her lifestyle, and with Charlie's support, she was financially independent.
Magdalen laughed, "With Charlie by your side, you can afford to be whimsical anywhere. Trust in his capabilities!"
Emily's gentle smile revealed dimples, "He's already more than accommodating with me!"
After some more chatting, Morrison called Magdalen for a card game, and Emily went downstairs to find Charlie and Kya, wrapping up their conversation.
Before logging off, Magdalen announced, "Darlings, see you tomorrow in C City!"
Emily chimed in, "I'll go tell Charlie right now!"
Estelle smiled, "We'll be waiting!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...