Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3627

The only exception was Carson. He sat lazily on the sofa with his back to Marina, his eyes fixed on his phone, not even bothering to look up.

"Marina!" Rhiannon stood up to greet her.

Miranda also stood, though she didn't walk over. The moment Marina looked her way, Miranda offered a soft, gentle smile.

Watching from the sidelines, Phoebe's expression dimmed slightly, but a second later she produced a warm smile. "Sister, we were all just waiting for you!"

Carson suddenly stood up and addressed Grandpa Foster. "She's here. Grandpa, we can take our seats now."

Once Grandpa Foster stood, Carson followed behind him toward the dining hall, not once looking back at Marina.

It was a massive suite. Past the entrance lounge, the space opened up into an opulent, thousand-square-foot banquet hall.

Waiters streamed through the doors, placing elaborately crafted dishes on the table.

Because it was an engagement celebration, a massive, ornate ice sculpture of a dragon and phoenix took center stage.

Once everyone was seated, Grandpa Foster was the first to speak. "Due to various circumstances, today's engagement is a bit simpler than usual. But having both families gather for a private meal is more than enough to bear witness for the kids!"

Grandpa Evert quickly agreed. "This is actually much better. We get to sit quietly and catch up. At our age, we don't care much for noisy crowds anyway!"

Bethany Foster chimed in with a bright smile. "The Evert daughters are all so beautiful, one outshining the other. I heard Phoebe works at an art gallery. No wonder she has such an elegant, artistic aura."

Aunt Diana, still holding a grudge from her previous clash with Marina, eagerly added, "Our Carson really has the best eye. After looking around, he picked the absolute best one!"

Phoebe smiled warmly. "Thank you for the compliments, Aunt Bethany, Aunt Diana."

Carson's face darkened as he shot Diana a cold glance. "Of course. I only pick the best," he said in a slow, deliberate drawl.

Marina's face paled slightly. A needle-like pain pierced her chest, making it suddenly very difficult to remain seated.

"Someone who's supposed to be here hasn't arrived yet," Carson said flatly.

"Who else is missing?" Charlotte looked around in confusion. The local Foster relatives were all present. Her own son was studying abroad and had an exam, and since the engagement was so rushed, she hadn't even told him.

Just as she spoke, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Carson commanded.

Everyone turned toward the entrance. Barton Foster frowned the moment he saw the new arrival. "What are you doing here?"

Kai Foster gave a polite, elegant nod. "Grandpa. Father."

Carson's tone was perfectly smooth as he slowly announced, "I told him to come."