Janice thought the whole situation was a bit absurd. Hadn't Gonzalez previously told her he wasn't interested in Norah? Why was he suddenly going to such great lengths to pursue her now?
She asked, "What are your thoughts on this?"
Norah kept her eyes lowered, pondering for a moment. "I think... I should move back and cool off for a bit."
Sensing the heavy tone in her daughter's voice, Janice intentionally lightened the mood with a smile. "If you've already rejected him, what is there to cool off about?"
The tips of Norah's ears flushed slightly. "Regardless, please don't tell Grandpa and Grandma about this, Mom. And it's best if we don't mention it to Jonathan, either."
In an instant, Janice understood what was going through her daughter's mind. "You're rushing to move back home because you're afraid the situation will blow up, and you're worried your grandfather will march over to the Hanson estate to settle the score with Gonzalez, aren't you?"
"Who's worried about him?" Norah retorted immediately. "I just got sick of living on my own. It has nothing to do with him."
Janice's gentle gaze seemed to see right through her. She let out a soft sigh but didn't press the issue any further.
*
That evening, Gonzalez was out at a business dinner. He sent Norah a text: *Please check on Circe when you get back. I might be late.*
Norah quickly replied: *I went home too. Ask Ms. Simmons to do it.*
Assuming she was just staying at her parents' house for the night, Gonzalez didn't think much of it and replied: *Got it.*
By ten o'clock, Gonzalez was still at the dinner table when another message came through.
It was from Simon Hanson: *Gonzalez, I'm not feeling well. Come home.*
Gonzalez frowned. *If you're not feeling well, go to the hospital.*
Simon didn't reply.
By the time the dinner ended, it was nearly midnight. Despite his reluctance, Gonzalez drove back to the Hanson estate.
When he walked through the door, Martha, the housekeeper who had previously helped him look after Circe, was in the living room. She froze when she saw him, hesitating for a few seconds before hurrying over. "Young Master, you're back!"
Gonzalez asked, "How's my father?"
He had genuinely believed she was the only person in this house he could trust.
Martha's face contorted with guilt and terror as she slowly backed away. "I'm sorry, Young Master! I'm so sorry!"
Gonzalez gripped the wooden banister, shaking his head hard to stay awake.
But his mind was fading in and out of blankness, his vision blurring uncontrollably.
In a frantic daze, he pulled out his phone and dialed the number he knew by heart. Every second felt like an agonizing eternity as he waited for the girl to pick up.
Finally, after four rings, Norah answered.
Gonzalez could barely grip the phone. His hand trembled as a hoarse, slurred voice scraped from his throat. "Norah..."
"You're not asleep yet?" Her crisp, clear voice cut through his fading consciousness like a lifeline. "Did you drink a lot?"
Gonzalez closed his eyes, desperate to speak, but the phone slipped from his numb fingers.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Another day gone by without the updates...
Please update more chapters...
May we please have updates. Thank you for all you do....
Please update more chapters...
May we please have updates. Thank you....
Phoebe always wanted to be a Foster so she'll do whatever she can to be with Kai and he is jealous of Carson's status. Thank you for the updates....
Another twist, Phoebe will try and hook up with Kai Foster. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...