Yvonne's mother, Hannah, exclaimed in surprise, "Norah's actually working part-time at a barbecue restaurant? What's this, our little princess going off to experience the common folk's hardships?"
Norah offered a cool, almost amused smile, "I don't find it tough at all. I just, you know, really enjoy barbecue."
Everyone thought Norah was just joking, which made her seem even more endearing, like a child. After a few laughs, the conversation drifted to other topics.
Norah let out a soft sigh, and just as she looked up, she caught Xavier's gaze on her. Her heart skipped a beat, leaving her momentarily frozen as their eyes locked.
Xavier quickly looked away, continuing with his meal.
As the night wore on and drinks flowed, Xavier stood up and left the table. Without a doubt, Norah knew he was stepping out for a smoke.
She tried to resist the urge but ultimately couldn't help herself and found an excuse to leave as well.
The venue was surrounded by picturesque waterways, twisting and winding around. Norah searched for Xavier but couldn't find him. Just as she was about to head back, she heard a warm voice from behind, "Norah."
Turning around, her expression cooled, "You needed something?"
Yvonne offered a smile, "You came out looking for Gonzalez, didn't you?"
Norah frowned, "Who said that? I just had a bit too much to drink and felt a bit dizzy, needed some fresh air."
Yvonne's smile turned sly, not pressing further on Xavier. Instead, she casually asked, "How's Jonathan? Why didn't he come with you?"
Norah replied, "Still hung up on my Jonathan, huh? You should be glad he didn't come. He made you leave J City; he'd be furious to see you back!"
Yvonne's smile faded somewhat, a shadow flickering in her eyes, "Can't I come back for the holidays?"
"That's something you should ask my Jonathan!" retorted Norah, visibly annoyed.
Yvonne's self-mockery was evident, "Like I'd dare. He'd rather see me dead!"
Norah turned away, uninterested in delving further into the topic.
Suddenly, a gunshot echoed, something whizzing past Yvonne's ear, making her scream in fright.
Henson approached, holding a pellet gun, his tone indifferent, "Sorry, Yvonne, was aiming at a fish. Didn't hurt you, did I?"
Yvonne, still shaken, turned to see indeed a fish floating up to the surface.
She forced a smile, "No harm done, just got startled."
Henson instructed the nearby manager nonchalantly, "The fish was making too much noise, disturbing the peace. Steam it!"
The manager immediately set someone to retrieve the fish.
Fish don't speak or make noise, and Yvonne knew Henson's remarks were targeted at her, leaving her face flushed with embarrassment.
She couldn't fathom how Estelle managed to win over the Lamont family's favor so completely.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....