Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1847

Lance dared not sit as he fished out his smartphone and played the recording for Jonathan to hear.

In the hushed room, Manley's voice soon filled the silence.

"Hold me just a little longer!"

"Been ages since I've seen ya. Don't you miss me?"

"I missed you so much I'm practically skin and bones!"

"I'm here to stay this time!"

"Dad said all I gotta do is find a decent girlfriend, and he'll let me come back!"

"That's easy. I'll introduce you to him in a jiffy!"

It was all Manley, his excitement laced with a suggestive undertone, flippant yet seemingly sincere. His voice trailed off with an affectionate lilt that, even without seeing his face, conveyed his deep love for the girl.

Jonathan's eyes were half-closed, his lips pressed into a thin line, his whole being radiated a chilling aura, even a whiff of deadly intent.

Watching the man's expression, Lance spoke cautiously, "After that, Manley hit me, and I passed out. Whatever happened between them next, I have no idea. But I saw that Manley was holding on to that girl the whole time."

As he finished speaking, Jonathan's presence grew even more formidable. He got up, his piercing gaze fixed on Lance, and without another word, kicked him square in the chest.

Lance went flying backward, crashing to the ground with a thud.

Pain exploded in his chest, his ribs felt broken, and two teeth were chipped. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he writhed in agony on the floor.

Jonathan shed his overcoat, now in just a black shirt, looking stunning yet deadly. His approach was so oppressive that Lance couldn't help but scramble back.

He retreated until he hit the wall and managed to sit up, his face a mix of terror and confusion. "Mr. Lamont?"

Jonathan looked down at him coldly, "Why were you there when they were talking?"

Lance froze.

"Stand up when you're speaking to me!" Jonathan's voice was icy.

Lance, shaking, used the wall for support to stand, his pants damp with fear.

Jonathan frowned in disgust, "Answer me. Why were you on the third floor when those two were talking? Don't tell me it was a coincidence. So, did you follow the girl up there, or did you follow Manley?" Lance's face drained of color; he wouldn't dare admit he followed Estelle.

He harbored resentment against Manley for kicking him and, after overhearing the mention of Jonathan in their conversation, he guessed Estelle was close to Jonathan. He thought to stir trouble, hoping to provoke Jonathan into dealing with Manley, thus avenging him.

But Jonathan's sharp and meticulous mind turned the tables on him.

Lance's chest throbbed with pain, his legs trembled, and if not for the wall's support, he would have collapsed.

"Let me guess!" Jonathan's eyes narrowed menacingly, "You've got a crush on Manley, coveting his good looks, and you followed him secretly, right?"

Lance was taken aback but then nodded, "Yes, yes!"

His instinct to survive told him that, in front of Jonathan, admitting his attraction to men was far safer than admitting any designs on Estelle.

Jonathan spoke up, "Then I'll give you a chance. After the ceremony, you go to Manley and confess your feelings in front of everyone. Let him know how much you like him!"

Lance looked at Jonathan, his face blank, a sense of dread creeping up inside him.