"Alright!"
Ansel had spent a good part of his life roughing it in the military, but in front of Gabriel, his junior, he always showed an involuntary respect.
As they walked into the house, the courtyard, usually only frequented by the cleaning staff, was alight with festive decorations, every corner brimming with the spirit of the New Year.
Gabriel, holding Sylvia's hand, asked, "Cold? Why are your hands so chilly?"
"Just standing outside for a bit will do that, no worries," Sylvia responded in a soft whisper.
"You really need to take better care of yourself."
"Yeah, I'll see to it when we get back."
"Don't just talk about it, be about it."
"I may ignore others, but I can't dare ignore you."
Their conversation was casual, not overly flirtatious, but there was an undeniable warmth between them.
Ann watched the pair, feeling increasingly melancholic.
As they entered the living room, Sylvia turned around, "Mr. Flair, Ms. Flair, please, make yourselves at home!"
"Of course, of course, we're all family here, no need for formalities!" Ansel said with a friendly laugh.
A servant brought over some snacks, and Sylvia made sure to ask for some special treats from C City for Ann to try. After a couple of polite refusals, Ann sat quietly behind Ansel.
Ansel inquired, "How's Old Mr. Jarvis doing? Still in good health?"
Gabriel replied, "Yes, he's doing well."
"Having you home for the holidays must've made Old Mr. Jarvis happy, everything's good then," Ansel chuckled.
Her words were genuine. Gabriel, known as Gabriel Carnes in the military, had changed her perspective on life during the summer she entered her sophomore year of high school. With both her parents in the military and no one at home to guide her, she quickly became a rebel at school. After several meetings with her teachers and growing disinterest in her studies, her father took her to the military base during her summer break, where she met Gabriel. That summer, Gabriel changed her life.
Sylvia observed the girl, a slight smile on her lips, fully aware of the admiration in the girl's eyes.
Feeling Sylvia's gaze, Ann looked back with a mix of defiance and competitiveness, "Are you from C City, Ms. Jarvis?"
"No, I'm not," Sylvia replied softly.
"And how did you meet Gabriel?" Ann's curiosity was piqued.
"We've known each other for a long time," Sylvia answered, her response perfectly diplomatic.
Ann couldn't pry any further, simply smiled, and turned her attention back to Gabriel, speaking with her father, her admiration unhidden.
Unlike Audrey's boldness, Ann exuded a pride that seemed ingrained, coupled with a determination that refused to be quelled.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Norah took Estelle to tutor her brother. Both of them are around the same age. So why is Janice and Xavier father feel that there's an age gap for Norah and Xavier. L I know they will be together....
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....