Carol barely managed to squeeze out a "Thank you" from her throat.
Pouring herself a cup of tea, she flashed an innocent and kind smile, "Mr. Hanson's niece and nephew are quite good-looking, are they his direct relatives?"
Xavier Flemmings said, "No, they're the kids of my dad's friend."
Carol realized, "Oh, then your families must be very close."
Norah Lamont chuckled, "Yes, Mr. Hanson is really good at taking care of people."
Carol tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, with a shy smile, "Is that so?"
Norah continued, "He once had one hundred and twenty-nine girlfriends who all said the same."
Xavier, "......"
Carol was stunned, "Mr. Hanson dated that many girlfriends? You must be joking!"
Norah turned to Xavier, "Are you joking?"
Xavier glared at her, "No, and you’re off by a hundred!"
This time, Norah was the one taken aback, ignoring him to continue talking to Carol, "How many boyfriends have you had, Mrs. Carol?"
Carol awkwardly said, "Well, that's kind of personal, isn't it?"
Henson Lamont said, "There's nothing wrong with sharing. My uncle's been open about it, you should be too!"
Carol laughed modestly, holding up a finger, "Just one."
"Ah?" Norah expressed her sympathy, "Then you're missing out!"
"Not really, the past is the past, and the future holds new beginnings." Carol looked at Xavier, her smile genuine.
Norah pursed her lips, "Carol, that's beautifully said!"
Carol felt embarrassed, "Just call me Carol."
Norah, "Alright, Carol."
Carol, "......"
Carol covered her mouth to hide her laughter, "Mr. Hanson has a dry sense of humor."
Norah, huh!
She had experienced the 'dry' part, but the humor was yet to be discovered.
Henson, listening by the side, struggled to hold back his laughter.
Xavier, understanding Henson's struggle, suggested softly, "How about we go for a walk?"
Carol immediately agreed, "Yes, the scenery outside looks lovely."
Feeling the pressure of their gazes, she was on pins and needles.
The four of them got up and headed downstairs, with Henson and Norah trailing behind. Henson gave Norah a thumbs up, whispering, "Well done, quite the talker!"
Norah, full of fighting spirit, "I must defend my love!"
Henson, hands in his pockets and shaking his head coolly, "It's only love when it's mutual. What you have is more like defending your unrequited love!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...
Thank you for the updates..♥️...
Estelle and Jonathan re enters the plot. Cant wait to read more of them...
Awaiting updates..thank you...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
My heart is swooning. Thank you for the updates...
Thank you for the updates, this climax is building. I love it....