Gabriel: "So when you woke up, you didn't see anyone next to you?"

Sylvia replied three seconds later: "Who?"

Gabriel smiled, his lips pursed. "Trying to play dumb, are you?"

After a long pause, she reluctantly typed a few words: "Fine. I'll pay up."

A cool smirk played on Gabriel's lips as he turned to look for a cigarette. Before he could find one, another message arrived. He glanced back at his phone, and time seemed to freeze.

Sylvia had sent him a money transfer for ten thousand dollars.

Gabriel picked up the phone, his face cold. When he saw the note attached to the transfer, his expression darkened completely.

Cat teaser.

*

Whoa!

That was one expensive cat teaser!

Sylvia put down her phone and continued driving.

More than ten minutes passed before a new message came through. She'd expected an outburst from Gabriel, but instead, it was a surprisingly calm line of text: "Remember to eat breakfast."

Of course, there was no way of knowing what kind of mood he was in when he typed it.

Sylvia smiled, her eyes scanning the streets for a place to get breakfast.

A little while later, as she sat alone by a window sipping some nourishing soup, Sylvia looked at the sunlight streaming in and thought this was for the best.

Not too far, but not too close. He could come and go as he pleased without her asking questions, and neither of them needed to account for their whereabouts.

If one day she grew tired of it all, she could simply disappear from his life without a sound.

Of course, last night was an accident. She had to avoid things like that in the future. Physical dependency could also become an addiction that's impossible to kick.

At the estate.

After breakfast, Estelle went to see Old Mr. Jarvis. Gabriel had already brought the car around to take him home.

Jonathan had also arranged for a car to take Old Mr. Quintin and Evelyn to the airport.

Georgia had already left, leaving Old Mr. Quintin feeling a bit down. He asked Old Mr. Jarvis, "Are you coming the day Georgia gets back?"

"Of course How could I miss something so important?" Old M Jarvis sald with a chuckle you're probably not going to get much sleep these next couple of days, are you?"

Old Mr. Quintin's brow furrowed as he gazed into the distance. "If Evelyn isn't Nana," he said slowly, "I have a feeling Georgia will never come back again."

She would definitely think he had deliberately deceived her again.

Old Mr. Jarvis sighed and offered some comfort. "It's all in the hands of fate, beyond

our control. It's better to just accept it."

Old Mr. Quintin nodded without saying anything.

The car for them had arrived. Evelyn smiled and said her goodbyes to Estelle before carefully helping Old MrQuintin into the ventele. Het expression showed genuine espect and affection for him.

That put Estelle's mind at ease somewhat.

After they left, it was time for Old Mr. Jarvis and Gabriel to head back as well.

The Jarvis family was hosting another dinner for guests that evening, so they needed to get back early to prepare.

Estelle said, "Gabriel, you must be tired too. Let someone else handle the hosting duties."

Gabriel, dressed in a black shirt, looked tall and rugged in the sunlight. "Don't worry," he said calmly. "Bruce, Sean, and the others are there to help."

He patted Estelle's shoulder. "We'll be waiting for you at home tomorrow!" Estelle smiled and nodded. "Okay."

She turned to give Old Mr. Jarvis a light hug. Jonathan opened the car door and helped the old man inside.

Old Mr. Jarvis didn't say much as they left, his face beaming with a kind smile. He just told Estelle what delicious dishes M. Just would be preparing for her tomorrow.

It was as if he was just heading home first, and she would follow after playing outside for a bit longer.

Only after the car had driven far away did Jonathan take Estelle's hand and lead her back inside.