Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3527

The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it felt. But the man had already seized the upper hand. Anything she said now would just sound like defensive backpedaling.

Grabbing her pajamas, she bolted into the bathroom. The moment she saw the faint marks trailing down from her collarbone in the mirror, she gasped. What the hell had that bastard done to her last night?

*

When she finally walked out, Carson was setting the table. Spotting her, he casually pulled out a chair for her.

"Since you're recovering from a cold, keep it light," he said, placing a comforting bowl of savory soup in front of her.

Marina sat down and silently started eating.

Seeing her sulky expression, Carson asked, "Still feeling sick?"

"Just a little congested," she mumbled. "I'm fine otherwise."

"Does your chest still hurt?" he pressed.

Her face heated up, but she feigned total nonchalance. "Much better."

"Don't go to the office today. Stay home and rest. Don't go back to work until you're one hundred percent," Carson stated, leaving absolutely no room for argument.

Marina thought it over for a second and nodded in agreement.

After breakfast, it was time for Carson to head to the office. Before leaving, he checked her temperature one last time and made sure she took her cold medicine. "Get plenty of rest. Call me if you need anything."

Marina scoffed lightly. "Stop treating me like some fragile princess. I know how to take care of myself."

"You used to take care of yourself. From now on, it's my job." He pulled her into a light embrace, his tone entirely serious.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced a dismissive scoff. "Carson, flirting with a sick person... do you have any conscience left at all?"

He chuckled. "I sold my conscience last night for eight grand."

Marina arched an eyebrow. "That cheap?"

Right before noon, another message popped up: [What do you want for lunch?]

Marina fired back: [Grilled oysters, Salt-baked crab, Roasted squab from The Emperor's Kitchen, Wasabi shrimp balls, Sweet and sour pork ribs, and Roast goose from The Golden Jade.]

Carson: [Are you just reading off a restaurant menu right now?]

Marina burst out laughing, but the amusement abruptly vanished when his second text arrived.

[You eat all that and never gain an ounce. Too bad you don't grow in the places that actually matter!]

Instantly recalling the embarrassing conversation from that morning, she understood perfectly. Mortified and fiercely defensive, she typed: [Are you sure about that?]

Carson: [It's fine. I'll make sure you're well-fed from now on.]

Marina: "..."

Fuming, she tossed her phone aside and collapsed onto the couch, absolutely refusing to speak to him.