Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2612

Jonas teased Jenny, “Just admit you wanted to eat it all yourself. Don’t use Sylvia as an excuse.”

“Professor, are you going to let him talk to me like that?” Jenny complained to Grace playfully. “He never lets me win, and now he’s embarrassing me in front of my god and goddess!”

Her antics made everyone laugh.

Grace smiled serenely. “As long as you two don’t break the house or my easels, you can bicker and fight all you want. I’m staying out of it.”

Jonas looked smug. “See? Complaining to the teacher won’t help you now.”

Jenny huffed and turned away from him, then served Gabriel a piece of the savory cake. “God, you have to try this turnip cake. They say it’s the best in the old town. I haven’t even had a bite yet; this is for you.”

From across the table, Jonas chimed in, “Gabriel, don’t listen to her. She ate two whole boxes on the way here. She was burping so much the car was shaking.”

His humorous exaggeration sent everyone into another round of laughter.

Sylvia laughed too, her eyes sparkling. Her gaze met Gabriel’s from across the table. Seemingly touched by her bright smile, his lips softened into a slight curve before he lifted his teacup for a sip.

Jenny brought out a bottle of wine. “I just bought this in town. Tonight, no one leaves sober!”

“Professor, Sylvia, you have to try these braised specialties. They’re famous in town too,” Jonas said, thoughtfully serving some to Grace and Sylvia.

“Have the students eaten?” Sylvia asked.

“Don’t worry,” Grace replied with a smile. “The kitchen made dinner for them. They’ve already eaten and gone to bed.”

Sylvia nodded and poured herself some juice. “I can’t drink alcohol right now, so this will have to do,” she said softly. “Thank you, Grace, for the invitation, and thank you all for such a warm welcome tonight.”

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, the crystal clinking with a cheerful sound.

Grace took a sip of her juice, then turned to Sylvia. “What’s wrong? I remember you being quite a good drinker.”

Gabriel turned to look at her, a deeper shade coloring his sharp features. “A little won’t hurt,” he said dismissively.

“Not even a little,” Sylvia insisted.

“What’s going on?” Grace asked, looking from Gabriel to Sylvia, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. They didn't seem like two strangers who had just met.

Sylvia’s eyes sparkled as she quickly explained, “When I was helping Mr. Carnes with the record player, I saw he has a wound on his arm. It looks pretty serious. It’s probably best if he avoids alcohol for now.”

“How did you get hurt?” Grace asked Gabriel, concerned.

Gabriel’s dark gaze swept over Sylvia’s face before he forced a smile. “It’s just a small scratch.”

Though his tone was casual, he put the wine glass down.

“Then you definitely shouldn’t be drinking,” Grace said sternly.