Waters Earwood felt a chill down her spine. Her lips twitched before she spoke in a hoarse voice. "I understand what you mean, ma'am."
"Good." Mrs. James stood up. "Tea clears the mind. I ordered a good pot and already paid the bill. You should taste the difference between the tea here in J City and the tea in the Y City, Ms. Waters. But just take a sip. Otherwise, if you get used to the tea in J City, you won't be able to stomach the local tea when you return to the Y City!"
Waters's face paled. She forced a smile. "You're very thoughtful, ma'am."
Mrs. James was sending a clear message: This was J City, not the Y City. If she dared to cross the James family, she would be sent packing back home!
Mrs. James offered a polite smile and slowly walked away.
Waters's freshly manicured nails scraped against the fine porcelain cup. The sound wasn't crisp; it was grating.
With a cold expression, she shoved the teacup away.
*
Emily's studio came together quickly. Charlie had directly prepared the office space for her, taking up an entire floor in one of the commercial buildings owned by his company. When Emily went to see it, the decor and equipment were completely set up.
Afraid she wouldn't accept it, Charlie said, "Just pay rent to your man every month!"
Emily looked around the massive office in awe. "How much revenue do I need to generate to afford Mr. James's rent?"
Charlie wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Nights count too!"
She bit her lip and glared back at him, only for the man to plant a hard kiss on her lips.
"Emily!" He rested his chin on the top of her head, holding her affectionately. Looking out at the bustling city through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he said, "Once your studio is stable, let's host our engagement party. A month should be enough time, right?"
"A month?" She let out a soft breath. "Aren't you overestimating me?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This was soooooo sooooo good! I loved it! Thank you for the updates....
Then Melanie and Noreen will both understand that Emily is his wife, who he chooses and cares to be with. We’ve already had so much drama when Emily took off for three years hiding her pregnancy from Charlie. Emily has already confessed that the only man she loves is Kya father, which Charlie is. Now he needs to boldly claim the only woman he loves is Emily…I just had to add my two cents (he he he)....
Now Charlie needs to take Emily to the marriage office like Gabriel did with Sylvia . Reassure her that he will not take for granted. Thank you for the updates. I’m loving it....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
Wow.. finally they're married now. I thought there will be another separation....
Thank you for the updates of Emily and Charlie. It seem that Orval may knows of Amelia and may be helping Emily get around her,...
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...