Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Maggie raised an eyebrow, "You've got a point."

They had spent two hours exploring a grand castle, and just across from it lay vast vineyards. Although the season had passed and the grapes had been picked clean, there was a pick-your-own farm right next to it, bustling with an assortment of fruits visible even from the outside.

This farm was entirely enclosed in glass, standing over ten feet tall and spanning several acres. Inside, it boasted a variety of fruits and vegetables - virtually anything you could find in a regular market.

As they entered, the sweet aroma of fruits and the vibrant green of vegetables hit them; everything so fresh, it could be eaten right off the plants without a need for washing.

Maggie, ever more astonished as they walked further in, turned to Estelle and asked, "You don't mean to tell me the Lamonts get their daily fruits and veggies air-freighted from here?" Estelle nodded, "Yes."

Maggie was floored. "Wow, and here I thought the Sampsons were in the same league as the Lamonts. We're clearly a step behind."

Estelle offered a light smile, "Merge the Sampsons with the Langstons, and you'd bridge that gap!"

Maggie just laughed and shook her head.

Emily, puzzled, chimed in, "Why would the Lamonts set up their exclusive farm here in C City and not J City? It'd be easier to manage closer to home."

Maggie smiled, "Ah, but you see, the soil at the base of the mountains here in C City contains a rare mineral that's incredibly beneficial for health. That's why they chose this spot for their farm." Emily nodded in understanding.

Kya was the most thrilled, seeing peaches and apples growing on trees for the first time. She excitedly picked a large peach to hold and then aimed for the apple trees.

Charlie lifted her up to sit on a branch, hugging a big apple as she ate.

Maggie, passing by, quickly took out her camera to snap a photo of Kya.

After finishing the apple, Kya, with a basket in hand, headed to the strawberry patch. When she emerged, her basket was empty, but her cheeks were smeared with bright red strawberry juice. Charlie cleaned Kya's face and suggested, "How about we all pick our lunch? Sounds good?"

Everyone agreed with enthusiasm. The group, a mix of couples and spouses, spread out to gather their midday meal.

Carson, with Marina by his side (who had a fondness for cherries), circled the cherry trees, swiftly filling half her basket.

Just as she was about to climb a tree, she turned to find Carson leaning casually against it, watching her. She reconsidered, remembering the dress she wore.

Carson, with a calm smile, reassured her, "It's fine. Be yourself. Don't mind me, pretend I'm not here."

Marina retorted, "It's not about minding you. I'm wearing a dress. I wouldn't want to give you a free show!"

Carson raised an eyebrow, "Do you think I'm that sleazy?"

Marina, nibbling on a cherry, firmly stated, "Better safe than sorry!"

Ignoring the banter, Carson glanced at her basket, "Are you planning on having just those for lunch?"

Marina shook her head, "For me, not us. You haven't picked anything, why should you eat?"

Carson stared at her for a moment

then headed towards the edge of the

orchard, "I heard there's a fish and

shrimp pond around. I'll catch

something for a barbecue!

Marina quickly followed, "Hey, wait for me!"

"Mr. Foster, I'll share my cherries with you!"

Slowing down, Carson waited for Marina to catch up. His phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number,

[Mr. Foster, this place is dull. Heard

there's an old town nearby having a cultural festival tonight. Let's

it out, maybe hit a bar Let's check

Wi

With an indifferent look, Carson deleted the message and immediately blocked the number.