Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2371

Old Mr. Jarvis paused, a hint of resignation in his voice, "He's gone back."

Old Mr. Quintin was taken aback, "Back already? Wasn't he supposed to stay for a couple of months? It hasn't been two months yet."

Mr. Carnes replied, "Something came up, and he had to leave."

Old Mr. Quintin frowned, "And you just let him go?"

Old Mr. Jarvis offered a wry smile, "He’s grown. What could I possibly do to stop him?"

Old Mr. Quintin scoffed, "That’s because you spoil them too much!"

Old Mr. Jarvis just chuckled, not bothering with a response.

Old Mr. Quintin continued, "And Sylvia couldn’t make Gab stay?"

"The young lady went back too."

Old Mr. Quintin was about to make a snide remark but then hesitated, sighing instead, "If it would’ve made Gab stay, I’d have been ready to see him marry her."

"What good would your readiness do?" Old Mr. Jarvis snorted, "Mind your own business. The year's almost over. Did Vivian say when she'll be back?"

Their banter, sharp as it was, somehow made their disappointment and sadness a bit more bearable.

After Old Mr. Jarvis hung up and returned to his chess game, he felt as if he’d been metaphorically stabbed again, exclaiming, "Jonathan, you tricked her, didn’t you?"

Jonathan looked innocent, "I’ve been going easy on her!"

Estelle boasted, "I’m about to win!"

Old Mr. Jarvis tapped her on the head, "Win? Didn’t you see the trap he laid out for you? You’re about to lose everything."

Estelle examined the chessboard closely, then glared at Jonathan, "That’s so sneaky!"

Jonathan smiled calmly, "It’s okay. If Grandpa hadn’t pointed it out, I would’ve let you win before you noticed."

Estelle nodded, "That’s more like it!"

Estelle took a seat beside him, gently linking her arm with his.

It was the sixth day of the month, and the moon was still a slender crescent, hanging amidst the tree branches and eaves, its soft glow mingling with the earthly lights.

Estelle shared, "I talked to my brother this afternoon. He’s already in Diamond City. He told us not to worry; he’ll sort out his affairs soon."

Old Mr. Jarvis smiled faintly, "Once this is settled, there’ll be something else. His troubles never end."

Estelle looked down, "Sylvia sent me a message before she left, saying she didn’t know how to face you, and didn’t come to say goodbye. She asked me to apologize to you on her behalf."

Old Mr. Jarvis shook his head, "I understand what’s on her mind; of course, I don’t blame her. Sylvia’s a good girl. It’s Gab who let her down."

Estelle said, "My brother isn’t ready to make any promises to Sylvia right now."

Mr. Carnes nodded, "Yes, I know what sort of person he is, and what he’s thinking. Regardless, I’m quite fond of Sylvia. If she’s willing, you should bring her over sometime."

"Will do," Estelle agreed softly.