"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)
Norah took Estelle to tutor her brother. Both of them are around the same age. So why is Janice and Xavier father feel that there's an age gap for Norah and Xavier. L I know they will be together....
Norah isn't a girl, but a twenty -five year old beautiful woman that loves Xavier Fleming/Gonzalez/Hanson....
Update 3103 hasn't been received and it hold pertinent information. Please fix it for us. Thank you....
This is great! I love the updates....
Now Xavier needs to call in the reinforcement, Gabriel and Jonathan to settle this. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
Xavier will always protect Norah he must admit this to himself and Norah. I believe after they return from this , he'll need to approach Norah 's parents and he'll get support from Jonathan and Ella....
I like how you are getting all the different love interest committed, thank you for the updates....
Hoping Manly have his own love story here, atleast a short one...
Emily has finally stood up for herself. Now with Charlie's support, her mother and sister in law will be as quiet as church mice....