Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1918

He strolled over to Estelle's usual spot, sinking into the chair across from where she sat, noticing her coffee was only half-finished, the chocolate cake untouched, as if in her haste upon receiving his call, she hadn't had a chance to savor a single bite.

She must have rushed out to protect him.

Lambert took a deep breath, a heavy weight seemed to press upon his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He told himself, she was just a mere woman, no need to get worked up over her. Yet, from the moment Estelle was taken, a growing unease had started to pile up, spreading within him, turning to panic.

Raiden had said using Estelle for experiments posed no risk to her life, but they all knew too well, once you entered that building, there was no coming out!

Looking at the slice of chocolate cake on the plate, Lambert recalled the last look Estelle gave him, one of betrayal by one of her own, filled with disbelief and resentment.

He closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself not to dwell on it any longer, and stood up to leave quickly.

The lab was brightly lit, Estelle lay on a bed surrounded by various machines.

Three doctors in white protective gear stood by her, their expressions detached as they watched Estelle, the air chilling to a standstill, save for the glaring light from the incandescent bulbs overhead.

A nurse wheeled over a cart with chilled vials, and after checking Estelle's closed eyes, one of the doctors took a syringe from her and slowly injected the pale blue liquid into Estelle's delicate arm. J City

At five in the afternoon, Sabina entered the CEO's office to report on the schedule. "Mr. Lamont, the exclusive wine reception is set at The Sailing Hotel's thirty-seventh-floor banquet hall, starting at eight." Jonathan glanced at his documents, somewhat distracted, "Alright, I got it!"

Sabina hesitated, her voice softening, "I happen to be free tonight, I could accompany you."

Without looking up, Jonathan said, "No need."

Sabina's eyes dimmed slightly but maintained an elegant and dignified smile, "Alright then, I'll step out."

"Mhm," Jonathan replied indifferently.

After Sabina left, Jonathan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, staring out at the dusk, feeling an inexplicable unease and restless, and for no apparent reason.

Perhaps it was because his Ella wasn't by his side, causing the disquiet within him to grow.

He stayed in his office until darkness fell before standing up to leave.

Millard was already waiting in the car downstairs. Jonathan got in and headed to The Sailing Hotel for the reception.

The banquet hall was resplendent, the lights shining brilliantly, men in formal attire gathered in small groups, networking, while the women, there to add to the ambiance, glided through in elegant dresses. Jonathan was an honored guest, invited by the president of the exclusive club, discussing future collaborations.

People continually came up to toast him, and Jonathan, with his noble and indifferent demeanor, humored them with a couple of drinks as a generous courtesy.

The president of the Griffith Group, a supplier for the exclusive club, approached with a look of anxious respect, "I didn't expect Mr. Lamont to come personally, it's been a long time, let me offer you a drink." Before Jonathan could respond, a graceful female voice came from behind, "Mr. Lamont hasn't been feeling well these past few days, I'll toast to Mr. Dalton on behalf of Mr. Lamont!"

Jonathan turned to see Sabina. Hiseyes betrayed nothing, his expression as cool and distant as ever.

"This is," Mr. Dalton said excitedly, recognizing her, "Mr. Lamont's assistant, Miss Sabina Macclain, am I right?"

"That's me!" Sabina, donning a coffee-colored, bejeweled backless dress, exuded poised elegance with a touch of noble sensuality. She raised her glass to Mr. Dalton, "On behalf of Mr. Lamont, cheers!" "Ms. Macclain is as beautiful as the rumors say!" Mr. Dalton, his face flushed from the alcohol, complimented after taking the drink.