As the group headed toward the exit, Carson took a phone call and fell a few steps behind. The restaurant manager took the opportunity to approach him, his expression completely deferential. "Mr. Foster, was the meal to your satisfaction?"
Carson offered a polite nod. "It was excellent. My fiancée really enjoyed the steak."
A look of delighted surprise crossed the manager's face. "It was our absolute honor, sir."
He quickly continued, "Our owner explicitly instructed us that whenever you dine with us, whether alone or with guests, the entire bill is to be completely comped. I wasn't paying close enough attention earlier and missed your friend paying the check. I'll have the front desk refund his card immediately."
Carson considered it for a moment, then waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Let it be."
The manager looked conflicted, offering an anxious smile. "I'm just worried the boss will reprimand us if he finds out."
"It's a minor detail. He won't care," Carson chuckled softly.
Standing roughly forty feet away near the entrance, Trixie happened to glance back. She spotted a sharply dressed man speaking with Carson. The man's posture was incredibly submissive and respectful.
She turned to a nearby waiter. "Who is that man in the black suit?"
The waiter smiled politely. "That is our general manager, ma'am."
Trixie froze.
Summer overheard the exchange and let out a soft gasp of realization. "Oh, I see. It was Carson who knew the manager all along!"
A hot flush of embarrassment burned Trixie's cheeks, quickly curdling into intense displeasure. "They probably just met in passing. My boyfriend is the actual VIP here."
Seeing Trixie's darkened expression, Summer decided not to push the issue and stayed quiet.
A moment later, Carson rejoined the group, stepping smoothly to Marina's side. "Does everyone have a ride sorted out?"
"I called a cab. It should be pulling up any second," Summer replied.
Colby checked his phone. "I've got a designated driver on the way."
Just as they spoke, Summer's cab and Colby's driver pulled up to the curb. Carson wrapped an arm around Marina's shoulders, smiling warmly at the group. "Looks like our ride is here, too."

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....