Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1904

Estelle ignored Lambert's attempts to draw her into conversation, she just wanted to focus on the juicy steak in front of her.

"Hey, come on, don't give me the cold shoulder." Lambert grumbled, his frustration evident as he watched Estelle savor her meal.

Unperturbed by his complaints, Estelle continued to eat in earnest, letting his words wash over her like idle chatter.

Once the plates were cleared, Estelle posed a nonchalant question, "So, people who research this kind of energy must be pretty impressive, right?"

"Absolutely, they're top-notch talent, world-class!" Lambert exclaimed with a hint of pride.

"Doesn't that mean other countries would want to snag these people?" Estelle inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Lambert chuckled dismissively, "No one's managed to poach anyone from Zion yet. Once they make their mark, Raiden's gonna load them up with enough money to last several lifetimes. Then they get a whole new identity and live the high life for the rest of their days."

Estelle gazed out the window, "Is that tallest building out there the research tower?"

"Yep, off-limits to regular folks."

"And the annex next to it, that's where the researchers live?"

"Probably," Lambert shrugged, "Heard the brains from Zion moved into the annex recently. Those villas are just left for family members now." His eyes then narrowed on Estelle, "Why the sudden interest?" Estelle replied calmly, "I'm just fascinated by everything here."

His eyes twinkled with something unspoken, "Does that include me?"

She shot him a glance, "I'm heading up to sleep. Don't wander off. If anything happens to you while I'm asleep, it's not my problem."

Lambert's eyes widened in mock offense, "That's irresponsible!"

He felt at a loss on all fronts-as a bodyguard not to watch over his own safety while sleeping, and as a date not to share the bed with him!

Before he could protest, Estelle looked back with an air of defiance, "We didn't sign any agreement. I can change the terms of our arrangement anytime. Got a problem with that?" "Yes!" Lambert shot back immediately.

"Suck it up!" Estelle retorted coolly and headed upstairs.

Lambert, who was never schooled by women, found her utterly cool.

When he finally went upstairs, he found that Estelle had claimed the largest bedroom for herself and had locked the door, hanging a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the knob.

He almost laughed out loud at her audacity but said nothing, resignedly entering the opposite bedroom to shower, change, and head out for a night on the town.

In the dead of night, Estelle leapt from the second-floor window, making her way stealthily through the castle's garden and corridor, heading towards the research annex. Zion was far from quiet at this hour. It was livelier than during the day.

Lights blazed in every direction and sounds carried from all corners.

It seemed as though those restrained people during the day were now free to let loose in the cover of darkness.

On the ground floor of the annex, a servant's quarters guarded the entrance. Estelle slipped inside, knocking out the duty servant with a swift move. She quickly donned the servant's outfit and complete with a cap and mask before stuffing the unconscious body into a closet.

Once disguised, Estelle moved with confidence, making her way to the kitchen. She began pushing a cart filled with midnight snacks towards the elevator. Each box on the cart was labeled with a name and room number.

Heading for the third floor, where the first snack delivery awaited, Estelle knocked on door 303. After a three-minute wait, a man answered. It's a plump man in his forties, wrapped in a towel.

"Good evening, your midnight snack is ready!" Estelle said, her eyes lowered respectfully.

"Come in, put it in the dining room," the man instructed, stepping aside to let her enter.