"Mrs. Lee, we agreed ages ago that your jewelry designs are all gonna go to Carmella's studio!"
"Well see ya, Mrs. Xenia!"
...
Estelle heard the sound and turned her head, watching through the semi-transparent wooden partition as Simone warmly said goodbye to a group of people.
Then it dawned on her. Today was the opening day of Carmella's studio!
Just a few days ago, Sallie had texted her about Simone bragging all over town about Carmella opening her own studio, completely forgetting about Carmella's previous plagiarism scandal.
Today, the Macclain family had invited a bunch of big shots for the grand opening, and the celebration was being held right here in the 9th Mansion.
Now the feast was over, and Simone was seeing the guests out with Bennett.
Some people had left, while some were still chatting with Simone.
One lady in a white suit complimented, "Carmella is really something, opening her own studio right after graduation!"
Simone, not wanting to sound too proud but unable to hide it, responded, "Carmella has always been dedicated. Whatever she wants to do, we naturally support her!"
Another lady added, "Now that Carmella has her own business, you guys can just sit back and enjoy your twilight years!"
Simone laughed even harder, "It doesn't matter how her business goes. We've got her back anyway. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters!"
"Where's Carmella?" someone asked.
Simone answered with a loving tone, "She's chatting with a few classmates she invited!"
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the guests gradually left.
At the end of the party, Waters approached Charlie, whispering with a smile, "It's still early. How about we find another place for a drink? My treat, Mr. James."
Charlie, handsome and refined, declined with a sense of distance, "No thanks. I have a meeting tomorrow morning, need to sleep early night."
"It's just a drink. It won't take up much of your time, Mr. James."
Charlie looked indifferent, a hint of a smile on his face, "Doesn't Miss Waters know one rejection is enough? Being persistent might make you seem a bit clueless."
Waters had never been mocked by a man like this before. She laughed awkwardly, "You're right, Mr. James. I just moved to J City, and I'm a bit impatient to achieve something to make my family proud. Sorry!"
With her candid apology, Charlie didn't have much to say, only responding lightly, "If you want to achieve something, don't be hasty. Staying calm and steady can take you farther."
Waters's restless heart immediately calmed down, she sincerely smiled, "Yes, thank you for your advice, Mr. James."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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....
WOW! I didn't see that coming at all for Norah nor Gonzalez, the plot thickens. Thank you for the updates....
Xavier wants to get caught kissing Norah at this point. When will he ask her to call him Xavier and not Gonzalez. Maybe that would bring back her memories. Thank you for the updates....