Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1913

It was pretty clear that he had no further interest in engaging with Winston.

Estelle made her nightly ritual of delivering late-night snacks, but the person she was searching for seemed to have the discipline to resist even these small indulgences. Could it be that her brother was so self- controlled that he wouldn't even sneak a bite?

She had ventured down to the eleventh basement level more than once, but her efforts had come up empty. In a way, no news was good news; at least it meant her brother wasn't among those subjected to the experiments.

She finally decided to take a couple of days off considering she had been waking up with a sore neck and was on the verge of seeking medical advice.

That night, Estelle and Lambert sat side-by-side at the bar, casually chatting away.

Evelyn, donning the bar's signature maid outfit, sauntered over and handed them each a drink with a smile. "This one's on me!"

Lambert offered a gentlemanly smile in return. "Thanks, beautiful!"

A blush tinted Evelyn's cheeks. "Don't mention it. You've both been such a help; I don't know how to thank you enough!"

Estelle quizzed her, "Have you seen your boyfriend yet?"

Evelyn shook her head, her expression turning somber. "I'm starting to think he's avoiding me on purpose."

Her face hardened with resolve. "Unless he's left Zion, I refuse to believe I can't find him!"

"Right on!" cheered Lambert, nodding in agreement. "That's the spirit you need when chasing after a guy!"

Estelle gave him a sideways glance before advising Evelyn, "Don't listen to him. If you can't find him, it's best you head back soon. It's still pretty dangerous around here." Evelyn was visibly torn. "I'll wait a little longer."

She had traveled leagues to find this place, and without hearing it straight from him, she couldn't let go just yet. After Evelyn walked away, Lambert turned to Estelle with a knowing look. "You've never been in love, have you?" Estelle arched an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"Just a hunch!" Lambert leaned back, gazing at her intently. "The heavens must've sent me to enlighten you."

Estelle coolly turned her head away, unimpressed. She scanned every passerby without drawing attention, still on the lookout for the person she sought. Where would Zion hide their top-secret researchers?

Just then, a curvaceous woman approached, eyeing Lambert with a flirtatious gaze. With her back to Estelle, she tried to jostle her aside with a bump of her hips. Estelle, anticipating this, had already slid off her bar stool, leaving the woman overbalanced and tumbling to the floor in an ungainly heap.

Estelle looked at the fallen woman in astonishment, then back at Lambert, her expression clearly saying, "Don't blame me for this." Lambert burst into hearty laughter.

At eleven o'clock that night, Estelle decided to go back and sleep. Uncharacteristically, Lambert decided to walk her back.

A servant arrived with the food they ordered, and Lambert poured Estelle a cocktail, his eyes smoldering with temptation. "Care for some company tonight?"

Estelle ignored his offer, heading for the fridge to grab a bottle of water instead. After a hefty gulp, she retorted, "If you're feeling lonely, there's no shortage of company for you."

Lambert moved closer, cornering Estelle against the fridge. With his lean frame, athletic build, and a handsome face, his allure was undeniable. "I'm curious," he said, his voice a deep, magnetic whisper. "With all I have to offer, how can you remain so unaffected?"

He looked down at her intently, noting the natural beauty in her eyes, the delicate curve of her nose, and the soft pink of her lips, untouched by lipstick. He had seen this look before; Estelle wasn't playing hard to get, she genuinely seemed to be at peace, her heart still.

His gaze deepened, and his voice dropped an octave. "Could it be you're into women?"

Estelle's expression remained unchanged as she pushed past him, striding towards the stairs. Pausing after a few steps, she turned back. "As for your earlier question, I can tell you why."

"Oh?" Lambert looked up at her with piqued interest.

Estelle's eyes were clear and steady. "Because the man I love is even more remarkable than you."