Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2113

Old Mr. Jarvis sighed, the weight of the world seemingly on his shoulders, "I'm thinking of heading back to Crescent City tomorrow!"

Estelle looked up in surprise, "You're not waiting for Vivian?"

Old Mr. Jarvis shook his head, a hint of resignation in his voice, "It seems like Vivian won't be able to make it back for a while."

Estelle was puzzled, "Isn't Vivian really fond of her daughter? Now that she knows her daughter's been found, why isn't she rushing back?"

A painting exhibition, no matter how significant, surely couldn't trump the importance of one's own daughter.

"You're out of the loop!" Old Mr. Jarvis set down his chess piece with a decisive clack and spoke gravely, "Years back, Old Mr. Quintin thought he had a lead on Nana too. He'd urgently tell Vivian each time, but every identification turned out wrong. So Vivian's lost faith in Old Mr. Quintin; she probably thinks it’s another one of his wild goose chases."

Estelle nodded in understanding, "That explains it!"

Gabriel chimed in from the side, his tone earnest, "This time it's different, Old Mr. Quintin truly sees Evelyn as his granddaughter!"

Estelle, her fingers idly playing with a chess piece, mused, "Maybe you and Gabriel should stay a few more days."

Gabriel gave Estelle a meaningful look, "You're worried about Evelyn, aren't you?"

"It's not that I don't trust the situation, but I feel more at ease with both of you around," Estelle said with a smile. "And with the holidays a month away, there's no hurry to leave."

Old Mr. Jarvis considered for a moment then nodded, "Then we'll stay a bit longer. It would be perfect if we could wait for Vivian's return."

"Sounds good," Estelle agreed.

Just as they finished their game, Evelyn and Old Mr. Quintin joined them. Evelyn's face was bright with excitement, "Estelle, you're here!"

Estelle stood up, "How are you settling in?"

"I'm quite comfortable. Grandpa's study is full of paintings. I loved to paint when I was a kid, but my foster parents said we couldn't afford art lessons." Evelyn's tone carried a hint of past regret.

Old Mr. Quintin reassured her, "Don't worry, dear. That's all in the past. From now on, I'll teach you myself!"

Evelyn nodded vigorously, her eyes shining, "Thank you, Grandpa!"