Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2916

Gabriel glanced over and declined coolly, “No need to be so formal, President Raye. You can take it back.”

Oscar, looking absolutely sincere, replied, “A fine artifact like this can only show its true worth in the hands of a true connoisseur, like your grandfather. I really do mean this as a genuine gift.”

Gabriel smiled faintly. “Precisely because it’s something so valuable, you should keep it yourself, President Raye. In my grandfather’s house, a bronze vessel like this would end up holding fish food or being used as a flower pot.”

Oscar fell silent.

Clearly, his understanding of the Jarvis family’s wealth was still superficial.

Pollock, seeing the awkward moment, quickly laughed and said, “Perhaps you should hold onto it for now, President Raye. There’s plenty of time ahead—you can always find something Mr. Bard would appreciate more in the future.”

“Yes, of course,” Oscar said with an embarrassed smile, quickly handing the bronze piece back to his assistant.

Nash, amused by the situation, remarked quietly to Sylvia, “Trying to suck up, but missed the mark entirely.”

Sylvia replied in a low tone, “President Raye got a little ahead of himself.”

Trying to smooth things over, Claire poured Gabriel a glass of wine and smiled, “President Raye was just eager to show his respect. Even if you don’t take the gift, you should accept the sentiment.”

“A friend of mine has just opened a new luxury resort—not even open to the public yet, with all brand-new amenities. If you’re free this weekend, Mr. Bard, I’d love to invite you and President Raye to come enjoy it. I hope you’ll do me the honor.”

Claire held out the wine glass, waiting for Gabriel to take it.

Just then, Gabriel’s phone vibrated. He glanced at it—it was a screenshot from Sylvia, showing him her WhatsApp messages.

【My grandfather took me to a banquet the other day. All these people want to add me, and I haven’t accepted any yet. If you dare drink Claire’s wine, I’ll add one for every sip you take!】

Gabriel’s lips curved with amusement as he replied, 【If you don’t want me drinking someone else’s wine, come sit by my side instead of over there where I have to see you.】

Sylvia gave a gentle smile, “Thank you for obliging me, Mr. Bard.”

“You’re welcome.”

Claire, sitting nearby, was left speechless.

She’d thought Sylvia was just young and naïve about what truly appealed to powerful men. Now she suddenly realized she was the one who didn’t get it at all.

*

The group left 9th Mansion together before eleven.

By then, both Pollock and Oscar were already half-drunk, and even Nash had more than his share.