Marina gently shook her head, resting her chin in one hand while twirling a fallen leaf with the other. "I really don't care about that twenty percent."
Carson arched a brow. He understood perfectly.
But there was no way to comfort her. You couldn't choose the family you were born into, and you couldn't change them either.
Marina quickly pulled herself out of her melancholy mood. "I still need to thank you. At least you cleared my name."
This was a massive favor.
Carson smirked. "And how exactly do you plan to thank me?"
Marina looked at him, resting her cheek in her hand. "Aren't our favors basically just a running tab? I owe you, you owe me, and it all cancels out?"
Carson chuckled. "You say you want to thank me, but you have zero sincerity. If we're keeping score, I'm pretty sure you owe me way more. How does that cancel out?"
Marina thought about it and realized he was right. "Alright, how do you want me to thank you?"
Carson pondered for a second. "Next Saturday is my mother's birthday. She really likes you. Come celebrate with her, and we'll consider your debt paid."
Marina agreed without hesitation. "Done!"
Carson stood up. "Then it's a date. I'm heading out."
Still sitting on the steps, Marina waved at him. "Goodbye, Mr. Foster."
Carson paused and turned around. The sunlight stretched his tall silhouette across the stone. With a devastatingly handsome smile, he replied, "Goodbye, future Mrs. Foster."
Marina was speechless.
Whether it was their easy banter or just the distraction, Marina's mood bounced back considerably. She drove back to the office to finish her work.
If recent events had taught her anything, it was that true independence required a solid foundation—and making her own money was the only way to get there.

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Comments
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....