Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1894

Estelle frowned, "Why on earth should I tag along with you?"

"To keep me safe, of course." the man said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm giving you a lift in my car, you look out for me, and we'll call it even." "I can pay you," Estelle offered.

The man burst into laughter. "Miss, do I look like I'm ferrying folks around for cash?"

Her gaze was icy as she retorted, "I said I would pay the fare from the get-go."

"Fare can be anything, even a favor like keeping me company," the man teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. "You wouldn't be trying to skip out on a deal, now would you?"

"What do you want me to do?" Estelle asked, her voice cool and collected.

"Relax, just watch my back," he replied with a playful lift of his eyebrow. "I'm sure that's well within your wheelhouse."

Estelle remained silent.

The city of Citadel was an old soul, boasting two centuries of history. It was a rare blend of ancient castles and modern skyscrapers, like a trendy young lady married to a classic aristocratic prince. It appeared mismatched at first glance, but somehow, they lived together in harmonious bliss.

The streets were lined with shops owned by immigrants, where both the local currency and language were as common as the homegrown variety.

Their car weaved through the exotic streets, finally pulling up outside a bar that seemed out of place in the daylight. Women in scanty outfits were already soliciting business outside.

The man strode in, signaling for Estelle to follow.

Stepping into the bar was like entering another world. People crowded around the gambling tables placing bets amid a sea of chips and scantily clad women. Masked dancers clung to patrons, their revealing outfits leaving little to the imagination. The thud of heavy metal music was deafening, and the scene dripped with the excesses of a hedonistic midnight party.

Following the man up the stairs, Estelle passed a woman in a dim corner who, spotting the man in front, let out an exaggerated moan. Recalling the man's warning of potential danger, Estelle stayed on high alert, scrutinizing everyone they passed.

Entering the private room, they were greeted by a dazzling spectacle. A dozen women sprang to their feet, hurling themselves at the man with cries of endearment.

"Honey!"

"Darling!"

"Dear, my Kase!"

Estelle initially moved to shield the man, but seeing him embrace and kiss one woman after another, she raised an eyebrow and stepped back.

Surrounded by a bevy of women on the couch, the man looked back at Estelle with a grin. "Just got back, and my girlfriends can't contain their enthusiasm. Hope they didn't scare you." "Not at all," Estelle replied with composed nonchalance.

"Make yourself comfortable," the man laughed.

The women fawned over him, feeding him and pouring drinks, vying for his attention. The man, for his part, didn't reject any advances, deftly managing to make each feel special.

Among the women, there were locals and foreigners, all voluptuous and seductive, each trying to outdo the others in pleasing the man at the center.

Removing his glasses, the man revealed a chiseled face, a prominent nose, and deep-set eyes - a stunning testament to his mixed heritage that would make even the heavens take notice. Estelle, seated in a corner, watched him juggle his many admirers with detached boredom.

A waiter approached with a drink, placing it before Estelle. With a polite decline, she said, "Thank you, but I'll just have a bottled water."