Chapter 2269


    Gabriel asked Estelle what her ns were for the afternoon. Estelle thought for a moment, then smiled lightly, "How about we go for a hike? I haven''t been to the hills behind town in a long time."


    After she spoke, she turned to Sylvia, "Jonathan and I are nning to hike up the hill. We walked quite a bit this morning, so if you''re feeling tired, you could rest up in your room."


    Sylvia shook her head, "I''d like to join you guys on the hike."


    Gabriel chimed in, "Then let''s all go for a walk!"


    Despite being located in the more temperate southern part of the country, the weather was cold, rendering the hills a bit bleak in winter.


    A cobblestone path wound its way up the hill, allowing just two people to walk side by side. Estelle and Jonathan led the way, with Sylvia and Gabriel trailing a few steps behind at a leisurely pace.


    It had snowed a couple of days ago, leaving thin patches of snow in the bushes and shaded areas that hadn''t yet melted, contrasting with the green of the pine trees, adding an interesting touch to the scenery.


    Estelle spotted a rabbit and hurried after it, with Jonathan following closely behind. Soon, they were out of sight.


    Sylvia seemed to really enjoy the winterndscape, looking around with a smile, "It''s so peaceful here!"


    Gabriel nodded, "It''s usually quiet around here."


    "Why?" Sylvia asked, puzzled. "The winter scenery is beautiful. Don''t peoplee here to enjoy the view?"


    Especially since the hill wasn''t far from the city center. On one side, there was the bustling city, and on the other, the continuous sprawl of tea ntations. The view from the top must be spectacr!


    Gabriel exined in a calm voice, "This hill is privately owned."


    "Privately owned?" Sylvia was surprised. Such arge hill owned by one person?


    Gabriel spoke as if it was the most natural thing in the world, "It belongs to my grandfather."


    Sylvia was speechless for a moment. Of course, she should have realized, not just the hill but probably the adjacent tea ntations as well, all belonged to the Jarvis family.


    Being with him always left her a step behind in realization.


    Gabriel suddenly asked, "Do I seem old to you?"


    "What?" Sylvia stopped, looking bewilderedly at Gabriel, suddenly remembering the conversation she had with Valerie.


    How did it reach his ears?


    What else did he hear?


    Gabriel stopped too, looking at her teasingly, "What makes you think I''m old?"


    "I uh, I," Sylvia stuttered, then suddenly turned to look at the empty path ahead, asking, "Where did Estelle go?"


    In the blink of an eye, Estelle and Jonathan had disappeared.


    Sylvia, finding an excuse, hurried forward to


    escape the man''sThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    interrogation, but she slipped


    on


    some wet moss and nearly fell, her knee buckling towards the ground!


    She was quick to try and brace herself on the steps, but someone was quicker, grabbing her arm and steadying her, "Careful!"


    Sylvia let out a relieved sigh, turning with a charming smile, "Thanks."


    "Looking so guilty, you must have quite the opinion of me normally!" Gabrielughed.


    "Not at all!" Sylvia looked at him with innocent sincerity, "How could I dare?"


    Gabriel didn''t pursue the matter


    further, letting go of her arm but then taking her hand in his, "Follow me, no rush. I know where Estelle went."


    S


    Her hand was cold, his warm, a meeting of ice and fire. She seemed worried about chilling him, trying


    awkwardly to withdraw he t


    But Gabriel held on tightly, frowning at her, "Cold?"


    Sylvia shook her head; despite breaking a light sweat from the walk, her hands and feet remained icy.


    Gabriel said no more, holding her hand firmly as they walked on.


    With his guidance, Sylvia stopped worrying about where she stepped, allowing herself to rx and enjoy the scenery around them.


    It wasn''t long before her hand warmed up in his.