Find Me In Your Labyrinth

Chapter 69
The hosts of today’s party, the Waldo family, weren’t as highly–regarded as the Lamont family or the Scott family in J City. But
they had been prosperous merchants for generations, so they were considered quite a wealthy family.
Mr. Waldo, a man in his forties with a hint of a paunch, looked elegant and scholarly. When he saw Manley, he greeted him with
a smile, “Manley, it’s been a while! How’s your dad holding up?”
Manley’s father had this son from his old age, and he, now over seventy, preferred a quiet, low–profile life and rarely attended
such events.
Manley responded with a refined smile, “He’s good. He said he would like you to visit our house when you’re free”
“I’ll definitely pay a visit some other day!” Mr. Waldo said with a full smile, then turned to Estelle, “And who is this lovely lady?”
Manley gripped Estelle’s hand discreetly and introduced her with a faint smile, “A friend of mine.”
Estelle didn’t expect Manley to suddenly hold her hand. Caught off guard and feeling awkward in front of the host, she endured
in silence.
There were quite a few people standing in the banquet hall, all looking over. One person teased, “Mr. Scott got himself a new
girlfriend again?”
Another remarked, “She looks young, a college student?”
Charlie, standing next to Jonathan, sneered, “Mr. Scott’s taste has always been quite varied!”
Jonathan had been staring at Estelle since the moment she entered, a dark glint passing through his eyes when he heard
Charlie’s comment.
Seeing that Manley gave a brief introduction, Mr. Waldo didn’t pry further and just smiled, “Fiona and the others are not here, so,
why don’t we...”
Before he could finish, a girl in a purple dress ran over excitedly calling out, “Manley, you’re here!”
Mr. Waldo pretended to be annoyed, “You’ve just graduated from college, yet you’re still so clumsy.”

Fiona stuck her tongue out in a playful expression, but when she saw Estelle, the smile froze on her face as she blurted, “Who is
she?”
Mr. Waldo’s face darkened, fearing that Manley might be upset. Just as he was about to speak, Manley said with an
unconcerned smile, “My friend. I brought her here to have a good time. I hope you can take good care of her, Fiona.”
Wearing a smile while indignation flashed in her eyes, Fiona responded meaningfully, since she is your friend, how could I
neglect her?”
Manley let go of Estelle’s hand, gave her a gentle push, and whispered affectionately. Have fun, my girlfriend. If you need
anything, just call me!”
Her hand was so cold that it seemed to have transmitted the chill to his own skin.
Estelle looked back at him and replied softly, “I’ll make you proud.”
Manley’s fox–like eyes twinkled, full of charm.
Seeing the two of them being “affectionate, Fiona’s jealousy increased, and she immediately told Estelle, “Come with me, I’ll
introduce you to a few of the girls.”
Without giving Manley another glance, Estelle followed Fiona into an adjacent flower room.
The flower room was connected to the banquet hall, and a group of young women sat on sofas, having seen some of the earlier
proceedings. They all stood up with various expressions and began quizzing Estelle, “Miss, you’re Mr. Scott’s friend?”
“What’s your last name?”
“You look unfamiliar. Are you not from our circle?”
The women surrounded Estelle like she was some new novelty. If she were an inexperienced young girl, this spectacle alone
would have left her flustered. Fiona had already settled on a sofa, watching Estelle with amusement
Since they were attending a banquet, all the women had dressed themselves up meticulously. Even if they weren’t wearing
formal attire, they were dressed in high–end fashion in contrast, Estelle in her plain white T shirt and jeans looked conspicuously
out of place.

Manley’s intention was to embarrass her and make her feel uncomfortable.
“My last name is Macclain, Estelle replied to one of the questions before taking a seat on a small sofa, calmly facing the cunous
stares
A woman in a red diamond studded dress scoffed. “When did Mr. Scott start going for pure and innocent types like this?”
She glared at another woman in a white tube dress. “No wonder he never laid eyes on any of us, especially you, Vivi”
Vivi, clad in a figure hugging dress that accentuated her curves, shot back coldly, “What do you have to complain about? You
practically threw yourself at Mr. Lamont, and he didn’t so much as spare you a glance!”
“What are you talking about? The woman in the red dress turned furious and stormed towards Vivi