Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 2225

"Estelle's not coming back with you? Christmas is just around the corner."

"She's got a friend's wedding to attend. She'll head back after, probably with Jonathan in tow."

Old Mr. Quintin's voice carried a hint of sourness, "Looks like you're in for a lively holiday season!"

Mr. Carnes asked, "How about spending Christmas in C City?"

Old Mr. Quintin waved off the suggestion, "Nah, I prefer the quiet."

Old Mr. Jarvis scoffed, but didn't call him out on it.

Something seemed to dawn on Old Mr. Quintin, "Evelyn and Gab's situation, are you really going to let it be?"

"Have you gone senile?" Old Mr. Jarvis cut him off, "We agreed not to bring it up. Did Estelle not make herself clear?"

Old Mr. Quintin huffed, "Fine, we won't mention it. We'll see who ends up fretting over it."

Old Mr. Jarvis appeared unfazed, as if he had everything figured out.

Knowing Gabriel was leaving, Evelyn felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped to accompany Estelle to the airport for a proper send-off.

Estelle declined, "Grandpa just left unexpectedly, Master must be feeling pretty down. Stay here and keep him company."

Evelyn found no ground to argue, so she stayed behind.

At the private airstrip,

Estelle helped Old Mr. Jarvis onto the plane, smiling, "I'll head back home right after the wedding. Make sure you've got some delicious treats waiting for me." Old Mr. Jarvis returned the smile warmly, "Of course, your brother and I will be here waiting for you."

Estelle inquired, "Isn't Vivian coming back for Christmas?"

Old Mr. Jarvis sighed, "Doesn't look like it. She's probably wrestling with her own demons."

Estelle mentioned, "It's been quite a while since anyone mentioned recognizing kin."

"At least the Quintins have given Evelyn a place to belong," Old Mr. Jarvis remarked meaningfully. "As long as Old Mr. Quintin is happy, that's what matters." Estelle nodded, "I won't take on any more assignments before Christmas. I'll visit Master often and keep you updated."

"Good!" Old Mr. Jarvis said with a satisfied smile. "And spend some time with Jonathan too."

"Will do!"

After chatting for a while, Estelle disembarked, running into Gabriel. Dressed in black, his presence was commanding. Gabriel, sensing Estelle had something to say, spoke softly, "We'll talk when you get back."

Estelle nodded, "Okay."

As Gabriel walked past her toward the plane, Estelle watched his resolute figure, feeling a sudden twinge in her heart. Jonathan approached, taking her hand, "We'll be heading back in a few days. No need for goodbyes."

"Yeah." Estelle nodded gently.

As the plane took off, Gabriel gazed at the receding cityscape, then pulled out his phone to send a message, "I'm leaving."

Ten seconds later, he received a reply, "Safe travels."

Setting the phone aside, he looked out the window again, his gaze deep and serene as the ocean.

Then, his hand brushed against something in his coat pocket. He reached in to find a keychain.

The boy wanting a hug, his expression cool yet filled with anticipation and joy, was evident in his eyes, resonating deeply.

The coat was her gift, and she had placed that keychain in the pocket.

Holding the keychain in his palm, he looked at it intently, and for a moment, the calm sea of his emotions stirred.