Marina took the teacup with both hands. She was surprised that a woman who lived such a secluded life could be so incredibly perceptive. She offered a faint smile. "I was just looking out for myself. I couldn't let people think the younger Miss Evert was so incompetent she couldn't even keep her own fiancé in line."
A glimmer of amusement touched the corners of Miranda's eyes, but her gaze was dead serious. "I truly hope you marry Carson. He would be incredibly lucky to have you."
Marina lowered her gaze to her tea, staying silent.
Miranda didn't press the issue. She simply stared out at the trembling trees, the breeze catching the loose strands of hair framing her tranquil face.
Marina couldn't help but stare, completely captivated. How could a woman be this beautiful? Her smile possessed a breathtaking radiance, yet her stillness brought an overwhelming sense of peace to everything around her.
If Marina were a man, she would cherish this woman like a priceless treasure, fiercely shielding her from even the slightest grievance.
Yet Carson's father had this woman and still wasn't satisfied.
It seemed Carson's playboy tendencies were purely genetic.
They sat in companionable silence for a while until Marina received a work call demanding her immediate attention. She stood and bid Miranda farewell.
Since she had arrived with Carson, she figured she ought to let him know she was leaving. A maid directed her toward the study. Finding him in the corridor, she saw him leaning casually against the wall—just as he had done while waiting for her earlier—a lit cigarette pinched between his fingers.
She was about to call his name when she abruptly froze.
Through the slightly ajar door, Barton Foster's voice drifted out. "You know Rowena's health is failing. The doctors are already there. I can't just leave her alone!"
"Miranda rarely comes here," Grandpa Foster snapped back, his voice trembling with fury. "She finally agrees to visit the family estate with you, and you want to abandon her halfway through? Do you have no conscience?"
"I'll apologize to her," Barton replied grimly.
"Apologize?" The old man roared. "You think she'd ever forgive you?"
The argument inside raged on, but Marina had heard enough to piece it together. Barton's mistress had fallen ill and summoned him back, but the patriarch refused to let him leave.
Carson stood there with lowered eyes, his long, thick lashes casting shadows over his cheekbones. His expression was cloaked in a chilling, heavy gloom.


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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....