Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2318

Marina remarked, "Better to keep things above board, in case anyone gets the wrong idea."

Carson joked, "We're living together; do you really think people believe we're just friends?"

"I don't care what others think. Innocent until proven guilty!" Marina replied with a light laugh. "Would you mind stepping out for a bit, Mr. Foster? I need to change."

Carson stood up straighter, glanced at his watch, and said, "Take your time. You've got about half an hour. Jonah mentioned something about a dinner gathering tonight. I'll wait for you downstairs."

"Thanks!" Marina raised an eyebrow playfully. "I'll be down on time."

Carson nodded slightly and left the room.

*

A small garden separated Carson's villa from the one where Charlie and Emily lived.

Kya was thrilled with the new surroundings, running up and down the stairs excitedly.

Knowing there was a child in the house, the housekeeper had the kitchen prepare some special kid-friendly dishes, including a few vegetable and cheese rolls for Kya. Charlie fed her and then turned to Emily, who was unpacking their luggage. "The staff here can help with that. I'll sort out Kya's things later. Why don't you take a break, and I'll take Kya outside for a bit?"

Kya was too restless to stay put, always needing someone to keep an eye on her. Charlie wouldn't leave her with the servants; he preferred to look after her himself.

"The view here is amazing, and the air is so fresh!" Emily exclaimed from the balcony, looking out into the distance. She turned back to Charlie with a smile. "Reminds me a bit of Villa del Sol on Maple Street."

At the mention of Villa del Sol, Charlie couldn't help but smile, remembering the villa he built based on her model. "You liked Villa del Sol?"

He had yet to tell her about the existence of that villa. One day, it would be a special surprise.

"Of course, I've always admired Villa del Sol. That's why I took a job at the patisserie nearby, just so I could catch a glimpse of it from afar," Emily shared, her eyes still filled with longing.

Charlie's expression softened into a teasing smile. "More than me?"

Emily gave him a look. "Jealous of a mountain and a house?"

Charlie smiled warmly and took Kya outside.

The estate's management had thoughtfully included a small playground within Charlie's villa, complete with a large castle slide, perfect for children.

Kya enjoyed the swing, slide, and seesaw, having a blast even on her own.

As the evening set in, the estate was lit up beautifully. C City's southern location meant it was already warming up, even though spring was just around the corner.

When Emily arrived, she caught Kya coming down the slide, and Kya ran into her arms, giggling with delight.

Charlie asked, "Want to join us?"

"Me?" Emily's eyes widened in surprise, shaking her head. "I haven't been on a slide since I was seven."

"This one's fine for adults, too." Charlie pointed upwards. "See the highest slide up there? It leads to the second-floor balcony. It's a twisty, tube slide. Fancy giving it a go?"