Marina scoffed, but somehow, through his half-joking, half-serious banter, her mood genuinely lifted.
When a woman came over to offer Carson a drink, he turned her down without a second thought.
Marina smiled. "You can go, it's fine. I wouldn't mind a little peace and quiet to myself anyway."
Carson's lips curved. "Even if we have an agreement not to interfere in each other's lives, I'm not quite enough of a jerk to drink and flirt with another woman right in front of my fiancée."
Marina understood. It was about respect, and he was giving it to her.
Whatever he did in his private time was his business, but with her here, he was going to play the part of the devoted, attentive fiancé to perfection.
They drank late into the night. Marina was half-tipsy, while Carson's gaze remained as clear and sharp as ever.
When his driver arrived to pick them up, Carson looked at Marina. "Should I take you home?"
Marina suddenly remembered Mrs. Evert's words from earlier that evening—how her coming back late would upset the dogs in the backyard and wake up Phoebe.
Carson, sharp as a tack, instantly caught her hesitation. He checked the time. "It's a bit late, and it's a thirty-minute drive to the Evert estate. I have an apartment nearby. Why don't you crash there tonight? We can head out together in the morning."
Marina nodded. "Thank you."
Carson offered a warm smile. "Don't mention it. I brought you out, so naturally, I have to make sure you're taken care of."
Marina laughed, a little dazed by the alcohol. "There really is a reason all your ex-girlfriends were so crazy about you."
Carson smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
A soft smile played on Marina's lips. The alcohol had painted a radiant flush across her cheeks, making her look much gentler than usual. "I meant it. It was a genuine compliment."
He chuckled lightly. "Thanks."

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The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....