“Norton, with us elders talking here, why don’t you take Carmella to the lounge? You two can play some chess or chat around in there,” Maria said out of concern for the bored Carmella in this environment. She was also giving them the chance to get to know each other.
Carmella agreed with this suggestion, whereas Norton froze in place, as if he wasn’t happy with the idea.
Maria urged him a few more times. Norton had no choice but to leave with Carmella.
“Norton, I heard that you’re doing well in the N&S Group now, and you’ve managed your company well since it was listed. I heard you even defeated the Jones Group,” Carmella said as they arrived in the chess room at the lounge. She was praising his achievements. It seemed like she knew him well.
Norton sat casually without putting on any expression as he responded faintly, “It’s nothing. It’s all thanks to Jenna. Even if I did well, it’s because she trained me well.”
Carmella definitely heard about Jenna and all sorts of rumors related to her. She was interested in getting to know more about Jenna.
“Jenna sounds amazing. Everyone out there has nothing but praise for her. They said that no one should underestimate women from Richards Manor. I have this feeling too after finally meeting her in person today. I do hope to get to know her more,” Carmella said with genuine admiration.
Norton smiled upon hearing that. “It proves that you have great eyes.”
Norton finally smiled at the mention of Jenna. Carmella could tell that Norton looked up to Jenna as well.
The atmosphere between them finally eased a little. They started with their chess game.
Meanwhile, inside the office of the Ink Garden, Sabrina was focused on her work and ignored whatever was happening out there.
However, the chess room at the lounge was facing Sabrina’s office. All it took was for Norton to lift his head, and he would see Sabrina working in the office.
Although he was playing chess with Carmella, his attention was focused on Sabrina, who was working in her office.
After a round of chess, Carmella noticed that Norton wasn’t paying any attention. She saw Norton looking outside in the opposite direction several times. His gaze was complicated. He messed up in the chess game, but it didn’t seem intentional.
Women were always more sensitive, and the intelligent Carmella was not an exception.
“Norton, the Ink Garden is beautiful. Why don’t you take me out for a walk outside?” Carmella suggested with a smile. She won the chess game, but she wasn’t excited at all.
“Sure.” Norton agreed upon hearing that. He was distracted by Sabrina throughout the game, and he had already lost his interest anyway.
They headed outside.
Along their walk, Carmella was in awe of the antique vibe in the Ink Garden. She couldn’t stop praising it.
Soon, they went along the corridor and arrived in the living room.
“There’s actually a lounge and an office here,” Carmella said with curiosity as she observed the surroundings.
Sabrina sat in the office, and she clearly heard their conversation outside.
She frowned. Fortunately, with Jenna by her side, she didn’t feel that terrible.
After welcoming Madeline to the manor, Jenna had already returned to the office. She had her own matters to attend to and was not in the mood to keep them company. Since Marissa and Maria were there to keep Madeline occupied, Jenna decided to return to her work as it had nothing to do with her.
“I didn’t know you’re working here. I’m sorry for disturbing you,” Carmella said with a smile as she noticed Jenna in the office.
Upon hearing that, Jenna had no choice but to stand up. She smiled and told Norton who was following behind, “Norton, you should bring Carmella for a walk around the Ink Garden, or you can always introduce Carmella to the restaurants or interesting places nearby. She’ll be bored if she continues to stay here.”
Carmella smiled casually and said, “Jenna, there’s nothing special about the food and places out there. I am more impressed with the Ink Garden itself. I’d rather spend my day enjoying the scenery since I’m already here. In fact, I can tell that Norton has high respect for you, and I’ve been dying to get to know you too. I hope I can learn more from you.”
Carmella was well-mannered, and the smile on her face looked genuine.
Jenna smiled faintly and said, “Carmella, you made me sound amazing when I’m just an ordinary woman. If you wish to visit the Ink Garden, you can always ask Norton to take you on a tour.”
“Sure, thanks Jenna,” Carmella said in a sweet manner. She turned around and saw Sabrina, who was so focused on work and didn’t bother to look up at them. Carmella then smiled. “I didn’t notice you there. Hi, I’m Carmella Newton.”
Carmella took the initiative to extend an arm towards Sabrina in an enthusiastic manner.
Sabrina could no longer remain unperturbed.
She stood up and reached out to the extended arm as she said with a smile, “Hi, I’m Sabrina Delia.”
“You’re Sabrina? I’ve heard a lot about you.” Carmella smiled widely.
Sabrina couldn’t help but to wonder where Carmella heard about her. Why did she sound so enthusiastic? It was as if she had known Sabrina for a long time. She didn’t even know her that well!
“It was nice meeting you,” Sabrina said with a polite smile. She could only keep her curiosity to herself.
“Jenna, since the elders are chatting over there and we youngsters are gathered over here, why don’t we take a walk outside? I understand it’s currently working hours, but you’re not in the company. You can take this as a chance to relax out there. Let’s spend more time together, shall we?” Carmella was in high spirits as she proposed this to Jenna.
“That’s a great idea.” Norton immediately agreed. He didn’t want to be alone with Carmella, and with this suggestion, he could get Sabrina and Jenna to tag along with them. He looked more cheerful than before.
Jenna was in a tight spot. It didn’t seem right for her and Sabrina to tag along, when the elders wanted Norton and Carmella to get to know each other.
“There’s no need for that. I’ve been here since I was a child, and I’m already familiar with this place. You guys can head out. I’m busy.” Sabrina rejected coldly. She sat back down on her own and started working again with her head lowered.
Norton’s face darkened.
“Sabrina, can’t you treat this as keeping me company for my visit? The more the merrier.” Carmella wasn’t angry at all although she was rejected by Sabrina, she invited her again with great patience.
Jenna lifted her head and saw Norton’s darkened expression. She knew what he was thinking. If Sabrina refused to tag along, then he would never agree to be alone with Carmella in the garden. If this were to happen, then Carmella would feel that she had been ignored, and might notice that something was off. Things would be worse by then. With that in mind, Jenna walked over to Sabrina and held her hand in hers, smiling as she said, “Sabrina, it won’t take long. Let’s just head out and clear our minds for a while, shall we?”
“Jenna, I am really not in the mood for a walk. We haven’t even checked the accounts when the end of month is already approaching. We will only end up taking more time.” Sabrina was forced to stand up. She noticed that Norton was staring at her. His gaze was bright, as if he was hoping for her to tag along. Sabrina’s heart raced, and her cheeks blushed slightly. She looked away in a panic. She was flustered.
“It’s fine. I’ll help you by then.” Jenna smiled and laced her fingers through Sabrina’s. She then smiled at Carmella and said, “Let’s head out then.”
Carmella happily nodded.
Norton led them out.
They were walking along the corridor as Sergio approached them.
“Seems like you all are having fun together. May I join?” Sergio asked Jenna when he met the young and lively group of people.
Norton’s expression darkened as he saw Sergio. His jaw clenched, and he wished he could kick Sergio out.
However, Sergio wasn’t bothered at all despite knowing that Norton was not happy about his presence. Not only did Sergio ask Jenna for an invitation, he also started introducing himself to Carmella in an enthusiastic manner.
Carmella wasn’t aware of their relationship, and she believed that the more the merrier. So, she nodded and invited Sergio along.
They then started to walk around Richards Manor.
They started from the Ink Garden and then headed to the other gardens.
Along the way, Norton wanted to move closer to Sabrina, but Sabrina didn’t want to be with him and was basically sticking to Jenna. On the other hand, Sergio was trying to follow Jenna. Thus, the scene looked a little hilarious.
If Sabrina headed left at first, Norton would try to approach her but Sabrina would run off towards the other direction, keeping a distance away from him.
As for Sergio, he followed Jenna around. With Sabrina sticking around Jenna and Sergio following closely, it seemed as if Sergio was protecting Sabrina instead.
Norton could only tag along with a heavy heart. He couldn’t even approach the three of them.