"Henson Lamont!" Norah was mortified and furious, blindly grabbing anything within reach to hurl at him.
A wide smile broke across Gonzalez's face, his dark eyes brimming with genuine amusement. Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, he reached out with the other to pull Norah back into her seat and steady her. "It's fine. We're on the exact same page."
Norah's face flushed a deep crimson. Her eyes darted around shyly before she finally broke into a soft, helpless giggle.
*
When they arrived at 9th Mansion, they bumped into Charlie James, Emily, and Kya right outside the entrance.
Kya's sweet, childish voice rang out loud and clear. "Henson!"
Henson squatted down and held out his arms. Kya broke into a clumsy little run straight into his embrace, and he scooped her up effortlessly.
The handsome, towering teenager holding the tiny, marshmallow-like toddler made for an incredibly adorable sight.
The sound of the little girl's bubbly giggles caught in the evening breeze lifted everyone's spirits.
Emily, wearing a soft pink coat, turned to Charlie with a smile. "Our Kya has a big brother too!"
Charlie wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his handsome face glowing with affection. "And Henson is definitely the best big brother she could ask for."
Gonzalez and Norah walked over, and the group exchanged warm greetings before heading inside together.
Norah tried to take Kya, but Henson smoothly dodged her hands, telling the toddler, "We don't let her hold you."
"Henson Lamont, do you still want those shooting lessons next weekend?" Norah snapped.
As she spoke, she marched aggressively toward him. Henson tightened his grip on Kya and quickly dodged away. Kya found the whole chase absolutely hilarious, laughing uncontrollably. The courtyard of 9th Mansion echoed with her bright, ringing laughter.
The group eventually made it to their private room. Magdalen, Morrison Langston, and Carson Foster were already there, drinking tea and chatting. The moment Magdalen saw Kya, her face lit up, and she walked over with her arms outstretched.
Estelle and Magdalen exchanged a knowing glance. It was obvious the rift this time was serious—they were acting like total strangers!
Knowing Kya would be there, Marina had picked up some pastries on her way over, making sure to include Estelle's favorites.
The group settled in, eating sweets and catching up. Since Estelle and Magdalen couldn't drink, Emily and Marina opted for light cocktails to keep them company.
With Kya completely occupied by her new toy, Henson slouched comfortably in a chair, playing a game on his phone. Norah sat on the floor, happily playing with Kya.
*
Over by the sofas, Jonathan and Morrison had both been strictly abstaining from smoking and drinking for months now. Carson claimed he had a cold and was on medication, so he couldn't drink either.
Hearing Carson's slightly congested voice, Charlie smiled faintly. "How did you catch a cold? Don't tell me you stood outside Marina's apartment freezing all night?"

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