Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3093

"We owe it all to Xavier this time. I want to thank you on behalf of my whole family!"

Xavier offered a slight smile. "No need to thank me. Just think of it as something your brother did for the family."

While the two men drank, Norah took a tentative sip from her own glass. It smelled delightfully like plums, but the liquid burned like fire down her throat. She grimaced and quickly set it down.

Xavier caught her reaction from the corner of his eye and smirked silently.

He figured letting her taste it was for the best. If he had forbidden it, she would have only grown more curious. Now that she knew it was strong, she wouldn't try to drink anymore.

Whenever Conner was mentioned, a proud glow washed over the Donovans' faces. Mrs. Donovan continuously piled food onto Norah and Xavier's plates. "If you ever see Conner, tell him not to be homesick. We're all doing great. Tell him he doesn't need to send so much money every month—he should keep more for himself."

A heavy lump formed in Xavier's throat. He merely nodded in absolute silence.

Norah glanced at him, stepping in smoothly with a warm smile. "Xavier doesn't get to see Conner very often either, but if he does, he'll definitely pass on your message. Conner is doing really well, so you don't need to worry about him."

Tears welled in Mrs. Donovan's eyes. "That's good. As long as everyone is safe and happy."

Xavier finally found his voice. "Conner can't make it back, but I'll always be in J City. If you ever need anything, just call me."

Dylan chimed in, "They still have me. I'm planning to quit my job in H City and move back to Bloomfield. My parents are getting older, and I want to stay by their side."

Seeing Xavier this time had given Dylan an unsettling gut feeling. He suspected his brother might already be... gone.

Because of that, he knew he had to step up and shoulder the responsibility for his family.

Xavier nodded in strong approval. "That's a good plan."

After everything that had happened, Dylan had clearly matured.

The group chatted and laughed, the atmosphere gradually loosening up. With the threat of demolition gone, the heaviest burden had been lifted from their shoulders, and it was certainly a reason to celebrate.

Dylan and Xavier began drinking from bowls. Slightly buzzed, Dylan joked with Norah, "Norah, you don't micromanage Xavier's drinking, do you? I'd hate to be the reason he ends up sleeping in the doghouse tonight!"

Norah tilted her head with a smile. "Then just move back for good!"

Dylan shook his head. "I can't just hide in the mountains. If life gets too comfortable, people get lazy and lose their drive. I'm still young. I need to fight for my career!"

Norah shot Xavier a deeply meaningful look and muttered, "Dylan's right. Someone should take notes."

Sitting between them, Xavier caught Norah's glance. He smirked slightly but didn't say a word.

The alcohol had made Dylan incredibly chatty, while it seemed to make Xavier even quieter than usual.

As a result, Dylan dominated the conversation. He talked about his brother, the funny stories of them growing up, his history with Leila, how they met, and how they started dating.

Norah stared up at the vast, starry sky, taking in the rolling silhouettes of the mountains that looked like sleeping beasts. She watched the scattered, twinkling lights deep within the valley, feeling the evening breeze against her skin and smelling the faint, comforting scent of tobacco drifting off the man beside her. An indescribable sense of peace washed over her.

Even Dylan's drunken rambling sounded endearing to her right now.