Jason turned to Jewel and said, “I’ve gone over that investment you mentioned. The return looks pretty good, and the risk is within your comfort zone. It’s a go.”
Sophia watched Jason and suddenly remembered how he was up at 2 a.m. the night before, crunching numbers for Jewel’s risk assessment.
“Alright, I’ll take your advice. Let’s kick this off after the 15th,” Jewel said, admiration shining in her eyes.
Jason poured a glass of water, initially intending it for Sophia, but hesitated and placed it before Jewel instead. “It’s chilly out there, have some warm water.”
Jewel, holding the warm glass, smiled softly. “I didn’t realize you were this thoughtful!”
Sophia suddenly stood up. “You guys keep talking, I should head back now!”
Jason frowned, a bit puzzled. “Weren’t you going to stay for dinner?”
Sophia chuckled and shook her head. “My mom’s making beef and celery burgers for lunch. It’s my favorite. Could you let Lia know I went home for that?”
Jason nodded, not pressing the issue further.
Sophia also said goodbye to Jewel. “If you’re free this afternoon, Mr. Gilder can show you around my place. It’s just a few steps away.”
“Sure!” Jewel replied with a warm smile.
Sophia donned her coat and left.
Jason watched her until she was out of sight, then leaned back against the couch with a self-deprecating smile. “Does she look jealous to you?”
“Not really,” Jewel, sipping her water, teased with a smirk, “But I think Sophia left because she was feeling jealous.”
Jason looked up, puzzled. “I didn’t catch that.”
Jewel chuckled. “Don’t worry, she’ll give herself away soon enough.”
Jason, not holding much hope, simply expressed his gratitude. “Anyway, thank you so much!”
“There’s no need to thank me. Besides, you did the risk assessment for me. Consider this my way of paying you back!”
“Just stop making those jokes. Jason doesn’t like me, and I don’t like him. It’s awkward for both of us,” Sophia complained, clutching a pillow irritably.
Jasmine tenderly brushed Sophia’s hair away from her face, looking at her thoughtfully. “You never reacted like this before. What’s changed?”
“What do you mean ‘what’s changed’?” Sophia retorted.
“There’s something off.”
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat, but she continued munching on her apple. “Maybe it’s because I drank too much last night. My head hurts.”
And that’s why she was feeling so moody.
“Then you should rest a bit.”
“I don’t want to lie down!” Sophia turned on the TV. “You go on, I’ll watch TV for a while.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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....
WOW! I didn't see that coming at all for Norah nor Gonzalez, the plot thickens. Thank you for the updates....
Xavier wants to get caught kissing Norah at this point. When will he ask her to call him Xavier and not Gonzalez. Maybe that would bring back her memories. Thank you for the updates....