Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3007

"Then I'll book a flight right now," Kellan shot back.

After exchanging a few jokes, Kellan explained that he was in town for a wedding—the son of a friend of his father's.

Since it wasn't an official business trip, Kellan hadn't checked in at the James Building and instead invited Charlie out to meet him.

They discussed a bit of work before a woman pulled Kellan away to dance, leaving Charlie alone at the bar.

He checked his watch; he still had an hour before Emily got off work.

Suddenly, a faint, familiar scent drifted over. Charlie turned his head and saw Melina.

She was wearing a long, galactic-blue dress. Under the bar's lighting, the fabric shimmered like a river of stars flowing over her stunning curves, the vibrant blue perfectly complimenting her luminous skin.

Melina ordered two drinks, sliding one over to Charlie with a smile. "Even with a girlfriend, you still have time to hang out at bars, Charlie?"

"I'm waiting for her to get off work," Charlie replied.

Feigning surprise, Melina let out a cryptic chuckle. "I didn't quite believe Ms. Waters when she told me yesterday, but now I'm really curious. What kind of girl managed to tame you? And to tame you only to leave you hanging... she doesn't even know what's more important, working late or you!"

Charlie ran his long fingers over his glass. The beautifully colored cocktail looked like a tempting poison.

Melina leaned in slightly, resting her soft frame against the bar. "I'm heading to HK tomorrow. Want to come with?"

Charlie maintained his polite smile and said breezily, "Sure! I'll ask my girlfriend tonight if she's free!"

Melina's smile faltered, but she quickly masked it with a teasing tone. "It's been a few years, and suddenly you're all about devotion and loyalty? Quite the shock! But you know, some girls from ordinary backgrounds are experts at playing the victim and putting up a hardworking front just to milk people for sympathy. You're used to the finer things in life, Charlie. Trying a new flavor is fine, but don't take it too seriously."

She was utterly humiliated, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

When Kellan returned and found out how furious Charlie was, he panicked. He practically sprinted outside to call him, desperately explaining that he was genuinely in town for a wedding and had only helped Melina as a passing favor.

Charlie didn't have the time or patience for him. The moment he stepped out of the bar, Mrs. James called to tell him Kya had a fever.

He rushed straight back to the main house. The doctor had just left, diagnosing it as a minor chill and assuring them it was nothing serious.

Kya had a cooling patch on her forehead, her little face flushed red as she reached out for Charlie to hold her.

Charlie scooped her into his arms, his brow furrowed deeply. "How did she catch a chill?"