Old Mr. Jarvis retreated to the study at the back of the house; upon entering the room, he was greeted by Old Mr. Quintin’s smug expression, which denoted he had clearly enjoyed the spectacle.

Huffing with frustration, Mr. Jarvis grumbled, “The Macclain family really is a disappointment!”

Mr. Quintin couldn’t help but revel in his dismay, “It serves you right for going!”

Mr. Jarvis shook his head, his voice growing serious, “Estelle can be a bit prickly, and to folks who don’t know her well, she might come off as, well, standoffish. I thought if the Macclains had some misunderstandings with her, maybe I could smooth things over. Estelle grew up without a mother; how could she not long for a mother’s affection?”

But after seeing Simone, the ever obsequious Bennett, and Terrence, whose eyes only saw dollar signs, he knew it was a pipe dream.

Quintin’s expression softened, “Sometimes we just can’t force things to happen. Our love for her is enough!”

Catherine chimed in with a laugh, “From now on, I’m Estelle’s mother. I’ll make sure to give her all the love she’s missed out on!”

Geoffrey added warmly, “Our whole family will dote on Estelle!”

Mr. Jarvis nodded, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it. Let’s drop it!”

After spending the afternoon at Old Mr. Quintin’s, they didn’t leave until after dinner.

held Estelle’s hand and asked, “You’re heading back to C City with

a warm smile,

soon. I’ll miss you! But I know you won’t stay away

her gaze deep and knowing, “Will you

with Morrison, my heart will be with you. I hope you’ll be

Estelle nodded, “Sure!”

joked with a wide grin. “Then we could see him every

Estelle paused,

My folks called this morning, and the first thing

“They love

Estelle hugged Magdalen, “I should get

hugged me like this. It’s not like we’re parting forever. Don’t be so melodramatic. Do you need me to see

same time. Let’s not see each other off,”

in a

“Sure!”

friend, Estelle walked towards Jonathan’s car while

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