Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1893

The man in the car raised an eyebrow in surprise as he saw Estelle emerge unscathed.

Back in the shop, Estelle grabbed a soda and sat under a sun umbrella, pulling out a freshly bought sandwich to munch on.

The girl, now dressed, walked over and took a seat across from Estelle. "Are you from C Country too?"

Estelle nodded, "Yeah."

"I'm Evelyn, from Azeroth City." The girl introduced herself with a curious tilt of her head. "What brings you here?"

Estelle brushed a crumb from the corner of her mouth with a casual gesture, her tone nonchalant, "I'm here for someone."

Evelyn's eyes lit up, "Me too. I'm looking for my boyfriend. Six months ago, his buddy said he could make some good cash over here. Then a month ago, he just vanished. So here I am, trying to find him. What about you?"

Estelle didn't answer, instead, she just said firmly, "You shouldn't have come here."

"But I'm really worried about my boyfriend."

Taking a sip of her soda, Estelle repeated, "Go back."

But the girl stubbornly shook her head, "I can't go back without finding him."

Estelle dropped the conversation, finished her soda, grabbed her bag, and walked out.

Evelyn followed, asking, "Where are you headed? Maybe we can stick together."

Shaking her head, Estelle replied, "We're not on the same path."

With that, Estelle pulled a switchblade from her bag and handed it to her, "Get out of here as soon as you can. Take care of yourself."

The girl took it, nodding gravely, "Thank you."

Estelle nodded back and continued on her way.

She had asked around; it was about fifty miles from the small town to the bustling heart of Citadel. She could rent a car nearby or hitch a ride.

The sun beat down hard. Estelle tipped the brim of her hat down and quickened her pace.

Suddenly, she heard a car approach from behind. Estelle stopped and turned to look.

A blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan pulled up beside her, the window rolled down to reveal a handsome, mixed-race face. His voice was smooth and pleasant, "Miss, need a lift to Citadel?" Estelle looked at the man coolly, "I'll pay you for the ride."

The man shrugged nonchalantly, "Sure thing."

Estelle got into the car.

The man was also wearing sunglasses, dressed in a crisp white leisure suit. Even seated, his tall, athletic build was evident—a man of comfort and wealth.

He started the car and sped down the highway, a playful smile on his lips, "You've got some impressive moves, Miss."

Estelle turned to gaze out the window, silent.

He tried to make conversation again, "Heading to Citadel to find someone? Maybe I can help."

Her expression remained cool, "Sorry, but that's my business."

He raised an eyebrow behind his sunglasses, giving her a meaningful glance, "You seem very mysterious."

Estelle replied, "Strangers usually are."

He laughed heartily.

His eyes, full of intrigue, rested on Estelle, "You're really interesting. Makes me want to get to know you a bit."

Estelle looked at him squarely, "Maybe you'd be more interested in finding out how fast my fist is."

"Faster than my heartbeat right now?" The man grinned broadly.

Estelle remained unfazed by his flirtatious banter, continuing to watch the scenery.

The man fell silent, focusing on driving.

Eventually, the silhouette of a city appeared at the end of the road-Citadel, bustling and chaotic, they had arrived.

"Where do you need to go?" he asked.

Estelle replied, "Just drop me off anywhere convenient."

The man suggested with a grin, "You don't seem to have a specific destination in mind. How about this? I'm heading somewhere a bit risky. You could come with me."