Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1915

When he walked into the café, Estelle was idly flipping through a magazine.

Looking up as he entered, she asked, "Did you meet Raiden?"

"Sure did!" Lambert sank into a chair, casually slinging an arm over the backrest with a mocking tone, "Just like the rumors say, wearing a mask, all about the mystery act! Makes you wonder what he's hiding." "How'd the deal go?" Estelle inquired.

"It's alright, still got some details to work out." Lambert turned his gaze toward Estelle, curiosity flickering in his eyes, "What are you really doing here? Who are you looking for?"

Estelle's eyes held a depth of secrets as she slowly replied, "My brother!"

"Your brother?" Lambert laughed, "He's in Citadel?"

"Yeah, someone spotted him here."

"Do you have a picture? Show me, maybe I can help you find him."

"Thanks!" Estelle's smile was a subtle curve, "But no, I'll find him on my own."

Lambert was curious about Estelle's identity but didn't press further.

They both fell silent, sipping their coffee, gazing out the window, lost in their thoughts.

Zion was truly serene during the day, its environment tranquil and beautiful. From every angle, the scenery was captivating.

That evening, before heading out, Lambert noticed Estelle was nowhere to be seen. He wasn't in a hurry, making his way alone to the bar for some leisure.

No sooner had he sat down than a pale-skinned young girl approached and plopped down onto his lap, tilting her head back to take a swig of liquor, then leaning in close to his lips. Lambert, not one to turn away company, leaned in for a kiss.

Ten minutes later, the girl was pulling Lambert towards her room. He wrapped an arm around her waist, making idle chit-chat, "How long you been here?"

"A year," she replied in a cutesy, coquettish tone.

"How did you end up here?"

"Came on my own, heard it was a good place to make a buck."

"And have you made much?"

"Stop it, you're terrible!"

Their playful banter continued as they ascended the stairs and entered her room, only to find someone else sitting inside. The sight instantly sobered the girl.

The man with the mask spoke to her, "Leave us, I need to speak with Mr. Brennan."

Terrified, she nodded, "Yes!"

Lambert walked in, settling onto the couch with a lit cigar, and smirked, "Disturbing people's fun in the dead of night, is Mr. Raiden in a rush?"

"What do you think about my proposal from this morning?" Raiden asked sternly.

Lambert replied, "I've made my stance quite clear."

Raiden continued, "You're the chosen heir to the Brennan estate, but your younger brother Alex has been making waves these past two years. He's even been in talks with the folks from the Marley Federation. I'm sure Mr. Brennan feels the heat. Our partnership could secure your position as heir."

Lambert scoffed with disdain, "He's a mere jester. You think I view him as a threat?"

"If I were Mr. Brennan, I wouldn't be so careless. From what I understand, your father greatly appreciates Alex's talents and vision and has spent a lot of effort grooming him."

Lambert boasted, "And what do you think got me to be the heir? My way with women, or perhaps my good looks?"

Raiden seemed somewhat exasperated by Lambert's flippant attitude, leaning forward slightly, "Then let me offer you another condition."

"Let's hear it?" Lambert said.

"Haven't you always wanted to know the truth about Stella's death?" Raiden's eyes, the only part visible beyond the mask, were cold and detached, "I can tell you!"