Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2163

Jason reached out and touched her forehead, “Still feeling hot?”

This time, Sophia didn’t dodge, “The fever’s brought down a while ago.”

“What about Robin? Didn’t he come to see you?” Jason inquired.

“He had to leave early for work!”

Jason’s irritation flared anew, “You’re still sick, and he’s putting work first? Can’t you be a little selfish? If you keep indulging him like this, he’ll only take you for granted even more.”

Sophia looked back at him, “His business is in a critical phase. I don’t want to hold him back.”

Jason’s face tightened, “You’re not a burden to anyone. Robin’s lucky to have you. It’s like he’s won the lottery.”

Sophia grinned, carefree, “Am I really that great? This is the first time I’ve heard you compliment me.”

Seeing her still in the mood to laugh, Jason was too exasperated to speak.

Sophia tugged at his sleeve, “I’m still sick; can’t you stop being mad at me?”

Jason replied with self-deprecating humor, “If I really let you get to me, I’d be six feet under by now.”

Sophia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled as she gazed at him, her eyes sparkling.

Jason felt his anger fade gradually, “Tomorrow’s Monday. I’ve handed all your tasks over to Inman. You rest up and don’t go back to work until you’re fully recovered. And don’t worry about Evelyn; if

she comes looking for trouble again, just show her the door. You don’t have to be polite for anyone’s sake.”

“Thanks, Mr. Gilder!” Sophia said with a playful smile.

Watching her smile, Jason felt a sting in his heart, a tickling pain that made him oddly fond of the sensation.

A servant came in, “Miss, Mr. Gilder, lunch is served!”

Sophia was about to get up, but Jason pressed her shoulder and turned to instruct, “Sophia’s not well. Prepare some light dishes for her and bring them up here.”

“Certainly,” the servant replied and left.

Sophia frowned, “I’m not bedridden. Why do I have to eat in my room?”

Jason’s gaze was dark, “I want Evelyn to see that you can give orders in the Quintin family, and you can be as capricious as you wish!”

Sophia was speechless at Jason’s protectiveness.

The servant went downstairs and said to Old Mr. Quintin, “Mr. Gilder has requested that Miss have her meal in her room.”

Old Mr. Quintin, concerned, said, “Is Sophia’s illness getting worse? I should check on her.”

“No, sir, Mr. Gilder is just being cautious,” the servant quickly assured.

“Jason’s upstairs, huh?” Old Mr. Quintin’s eyes twinkled, and he chuckled, “Good, good. Then take the food up. Add some extra pork chops with roasted cauliflower; she loves that dish.”

“Yes, sir!” The servant acknowledged and went off to arrange Sophia’s meal.

Evelyn followed to the kitchen; standing by the servant, she smiled nonchalantly and said, “Riley, when you mentioned 'Miss', I thought you were referring to me!”

The servant, taken aback, hurriedly explained, “I was used to calling her that before; it slipped my mind.”

Evelyn picked up a plate of ribs, her smile serene, “Then you better don’t forget again!” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The servant nodded fervently, “You are the daughter of the family now. I’ll remember, won’t forget.”

“And what about Sophia?” Evelyn queried.

The servant pondered for a moment, “I’ll refer to her as ‘Sophia’ from now on.”

“That’s fine!” Evelyn beamed, “That’ll help distinguish between us.”

“Yes!” The servant said with an awkward smile.

Evelyn left with the plate of ribs, her face breaking into a sweet, innocent smile as she turned, “Grandpa, Mr. Jarvis, today’s ribs smell so delicious!”