Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3281

Looking a bit flustered, she handed the shopping bag over. "I bought some treats for Circe. Could you please give them to her for me, Ms. Simmons?"

Ms. Simmons took the bag, easily seeing how much Norah Lamont adored the little cat. "Why don't you come inside and sit for a bit?"

"No, that's okay!" Norah shook her head.

Hearing her voice, Circe trotted out of the bedroom, rubbing affectionately against Norah's legs with a happily flicking tail.

A sudden lump formed in Norah's throat. She bent down to stroke Circe's head but resisted the urge to scoop her into her arms. "Be a good girl," she whispered with a soft smile.

With that, she gently nudged Circe away, gave Ms. Simmons a polite smile of farewell, and turned to head back to her own apartment.

"Meow?"

Circe stared after Norah's retreating figure, her feline face a picture of pure, heartbroken confusion.

*

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye. Adrian Chambers, Sara, and a few others gathered at Norah's place for a get-together.

Sara and Khloe had arrived first, setting out a massive spread of garlic butter seafood boils, spicy crawfish, and various appetizers on the dining table.

Just as they finished arranging the dishes, a knock sounded at the door. "I'll get it!" Khloe volunteered eagerly.

She swung the door open, her face lighting up. "Adrian!"

Adrian walked in alongside Julia Cross, one of Norah's colleagues. They were carrying an assortment of liquor and mixers. Adrian immediately scanned the living room. "Where's Norah?"

"She's on a call!" Khloe handed Adrian a pair of house slippers with a bright smile. "Working even after she clocks out. She's turning into a total workaholic. You're working her too hard, Boss. I won't stand for it!"

Sara walked out of the kitchen, glancing toward the entryway without saying a word.

"I wouldn't dare overwork her. I'm just looking to see which blind client is refusing to let my best employee log off for the weekend," Adrian joked, stepping into the living room and nearly colliding with Sara.

Since their disastrous fallout at the 9th Mansion, running into each other was undeniably awkward.

Adrian chimed in, his tone icy. "We barely know the guy. There's no reason to drag him into this."

Sara scoffed. "You might not know him, but we do!"

Adrian shot her a dark, resentful glare. "If you're so obsessed with Gonzalez, go chase him in his own apartment. Don't force the rest of us to play wingman for you. It's pathetic to watch."

Sara's stunning features hardened into a cold mask. "You really make it easy to despise you, Adrian."

Adrian paled slightly, his gaze turning venomous.

Sensing the escalating tension, Khloe quickly jumped in to play peacemaker. "Hey, what's going on? Why are we fighting?"

Sara pulled out her phone. "I'm calling him. Someone's temper tantrum isn't going to stop me."

She dialed the number. Standing right next to her, Norah could clearly hear the line ring five times before the man finally picked up.

Sara's face instantly broke into a dazzling smile. "Mr. Hanson, it's Sara. We're having a little dinner party at Norah's place. Are you free to come over?"