Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3031

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?"

The whole world was endearing because of her!

*

Next came the studio's recruitment phase. Padgett took charge, and Charlie sent over some of his company's staff to assist. Everything progressed smoothly and methodically.

Meanwhile, Paragon Pixel Design had devolved into chaos.

First was Sterling Properties. When Mr. Greco came to sign the contract, he found out the designer had been swapped out. He called Orval, who flatly refused the change.

Adelaide tried to explain. "Emily Sullivan has resigned, but the blueprints are still the ones she created. Both you and Orval were very satisfied with her designs and didn't have many revisions. Even though she left, I don't think it should affect our continued partnership."

Mr. Greco shook his head. "That won't work. Only Ms. Emily truly understands her own designs, which makes communication much easier. If you change designers and something goes wrong down the line, who's going to take responsibility?"