"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."
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