```
"Ah, the main reason was to catch up with Gabriel, and now that we've done that and you've had your say, sticking around seems pointless," Ansel mentioned, "I'll say my goodbyes to Gabriel. Get ready, we're leaving right away."
Ann, having been turned down, felt too embarrassed to face Gabriel and didn't say much else. She went back to pack her bags.
*
As dusk approached, Sylvia left the bookstore, her spirits lifted by the purchase of two new novels.
Just as she stepped out, her phone buzzed with a call from Gabriel,
"Aren't you in the garden? Did you take the car out?"
Walking and chuckling, Sylvia replied, "Yes, decided to check out the town."
"Still in town?" Gabriel inquired.
"Heading back soon."
Gabriel's voice was calm, "Enjoying the town?"
Sylvia laughed, "It's lively enough!"
"Then wait for me somewhere. I'll come to you."
Sylvia paused, surprised, "You're coming to find me? What about dinner with the guests?"
"Mr. Flair left already," Gabriel explained.
Sylvia was increasingly astonished. The Flairs, having heard of Gabriel's return, rushed over on New Year's Day, and she had noticed Ann's fondness for Gabriel. That they had left so easily was beyond belief!
Gabriel chuckled softly, "You've outdone yourself!"
A glint of mischief in her eyes, yet feigning nonchalance, Sylvia asked, "And how will you thank me?"
"Let's have dinner," Gabriel offered.
Sylvia, phone in hand, leisurely continued forward, a spring breeze in her step, "Dinner alone won't cut it!"
Years apart and a deep chasm between them made the conversation somewhat awkward.
"Happy New Year!"
Old Mr. Quintin sounded excited, "Where are you spending the New Year? Do you have company?"
Grace, not wanting to delve into details, simply acknowledged with a "Hmm."
Old Mr. Quintin then handed the phone to Evelyn, saying, "It's your mom."
Hearing a girl's voice on the other end made Grace tense and somewhat cold, "Mom!"
Without much emotion, Grace pointed out, "We haven't done the DNA test yet. Isn't it premature to use that term?"
Evelyn, caught off guard by Grace's bluntness, was left speechless.
```

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....