Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3436

Miranda and Carson seemed entirely unfazed by the gesture. Miranda simply gave a slight nod. "Thank you for the trouble, Quinn. Just leave it in the second room on the left upstairs."

"Of course, ma'am," Butler Quinn replied smoothly. "I'll have the staff take it up so you can finish your meal in peace."

As he led his men upstairs, Miranda's expression remained perfectly serene. She went back to eating her pasta at a leisurely pace.

Carson, however, let out a soft, mocking scoff.

Marina was deeply confused. Barton Foster practically lived with his mistress. Even when his mistress had a minor headache during a family dinner, he would rush back to her side without a second thought. Clearly, he was devoted to the other woman.

Yet, here he was, putting an absurd amount of effort into his wife's birthday.

What exactly was the dynamic here?

Since it was the Fosters' private family business, Marina knew better than to pry. She swallowed her curiosity and continued eating as if nothing had happened.

Soon, Butler Quinn came back downstairs, maintaining his deferential posture. "Madam, Mr. Foster would love a plate of your vegetarian pasta to celebrate your birthday from afar. Would you permit it?"

Miranda was silent for a moment before looking up at Carson. "Go to the kitchen and make another plate."

Carson had immense respect for his mother. Without a single word of complaint, he stood up and headed for the kitchen.

Marina noticed a visible sigh of relief escape Butler Quinn.

The sauce was already simmering on the stove, so Carson only needed to boil the pasta and toss it with the vegetables. He finished the dish in no time.

Butler Quinn accepted the plate with utmost care, placing it into an insulated carrier. Once it was securely closed, he bowed his head slightly to Miranda. "I won't disturb you any longer, Madam. I wish you a very happy birthday and good health."

Miranda's features remained calm. "Thank you."

Quinn nodded respectfully, turned, and led his staff out.

Seeing that Marina was nearly finished with her meal, Miranda suggested Carson make her another serving. Marina quickly waved her hands, insisting she was already stuffed.

"How was it?" Miranda asked gently.

Carson's lips curved into a charming smile. "Since you two hit it off so well, why not make her your official mother-in-law?"

Marina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Forget it. I might love the mother-in-law, but I have zero interest in her son."

Carson's expression instantly darkened.

Laughing at her own joke, Marina headed toward her car. "I'm out of here. Bye!"

Carson stood there, his striking eyes following the girl's confident, breezy silhouette until she drove away.

As Marina cruised down the road, a sudden realization hit her. The very first cake she had ever bought for someone's birthday was for Carson's mother. She had never even bought one for her own mother.

It was too late to bake one now, so she pulled over at a high-end bakery and carefully selected a beautiful, intricately designed cake.

With the box in hand, she drove back to the Evert family estate and walked up to the grand front doors.