The party didn't break up until late, and everyone had been drinking, so they opted for designated drivers to get home safely.
Eugene insisted on driving Sylvia home himself, and amidst the playful teasing of their friends, Sylvia couldn’t outright refuse without making it awkward.
Sitting in the backseat, Eugene handed Sylvia a bottle of her favorite passion fruit-flavored yogurt, “Got this for you.”
Sylvia smiled, “When did you buy this?”
“Just now, while waiting for our ride. Saw the yogurt shop across the street. You’ve had quite a bit to drink, and I thought this might help settle your stomach. I even had them add in some granola and your favorite dried fruits. Give it a try.” His eyes were warm in the dim light.
Sylvia took it, touched, “Thank you!”
“Don’t mention it!” Eugene laughed, always maintaining that careful balance of distance, not wanting to overwhelm Sylvia, yet unwilling to stay too far away.
Holding the yogurt, Sylvia felt genuinely moved.
“Oh!” Eugene said with a laugh, “I’ve referred some business to your firm from a few of our partner companies. Don’t worry, they are all long-time partners, and their teams are great. Nothing like that mess with Baron Barlow.”
At the mention of Baron, Sylvia’s thoughts naturally drifted to Gabriel, causing her a moment of discomfort, though she kept her smile, “You didn’t have to go out of your way for us, we’re quite busy as it is.”
“I know you’re not all about the money, but I genuinely think the quality of your work deserves recognition,” Eugene said, his handsome features relaxed and cheerful, “It’s just a word from me. They benefit from your services and will probably end up thanking me!”
His well-chosen words and light-hearted jokes eased the atmosphere.
Sylvia smiled softly, “Still, thank you!”
“Then you owe me a meal when you land a big contract!”
“Deal!”
Sylvia could see the depth of his feelings in his eyes. She nodded slightly and walked away.
Life’s strange, Eugene thought, filled with unrequited love, where people can’t provide warmth to those who cherish them the most.
The matters of the heart, how many have been wounded by them?
That afternoon, Jason had decided to close the studio early and took Sophia out.
“Where to?” he asked.
Sophia turned to him, her short hair framing her face beautifully, her expression bright, “Let’s visit our mentor. Estelle’s back in C City, and he’s bound to complain we’ve forgotten about him!”
“Sure,” Jason agreed without hesitation.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have more updates. Thank you...
May we have more updates please....
Thank you so much for the updates today. Now that Yvonne knows that Gonzalez has established who's really in charge of the Hansen house hold she and her mother are treading carefully. It will be interesting to see how Jenny will get the information to see if Adrian is paying for Norah....
With Adrian last comment, he's gonna get whipped and wonder what happened. Thank you so so much for the updates....
May we please have more updates. Thank you....
I would like for Norah to secretly have her memory restored and not tell anyone just to observe how everyone is trying to keep mess going....
Janice and Adrian don't want Norah to be with Xavier....
Thank you for the updates. You do keep us in suspense....
Curious as to how, what, when and where Norah will get her memory back of Xavier....
I'm so glad that Gonzalez was able to get Luke, Oliver and all others who wanted to challenge himas the CEO straight. Interesting how Xavier made reference to a girlfriend concerning his gift to Norah, but never did this before her accident. I'm grateful for the updates. Thank you...