Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1920

At the Royal Mansion, Jonathan shrugged off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and sank into the sofa. He gazed around the empty living room, his heart aching with longing for Estelle. After a moment, he forced down the unease and glanced towards the guest bedroom, half-hoping the door would swing open and Ella would emerge.

He knew it was futile, but like a man possessed, he found himself walking towards the room.

Entering, he flicked on the light, and the familiar scene greeted him.

This was where she used to stay. When he'd visit at night, she would often be on the balcony sofa, engrossed in a book, and he would playfully take it from her hands to steal a deep kiss. Jonathan walked to the balcony and sat down on the sofa, noticing a note left behind.

During Estelle's absence, he had visited many times but never found a note.

Was this left the day she went back to C City?

He unfolded the note, and her elegant handwriting caught his eye, "Mr. Lamont, goodnight!"

The words on the paper stirred his emotions, and his yearning surged.

Pulling out his phone, he sent a video call to Estelle. After seven seconds, the call connected, and Estelle appeared, propped up in bed, smiling at Jonathan, "Miss me?"

His eyes softened, "Are you going to bed?"

"Not yet!" Estelle rested her cheek on her hand, "I thought I'd read a bit before bed."

"How's grandpa's cough?"

"It's much better!" She lowered her gaze back to the book, and with a smile suggested, "Jonathan, let me read to you for a bit!"

"I'd like that," Jonathan relaxed into the sofa, fixating on the girl.

Under the dim light, she looked serene and pure, dressed in a light blue satin nightgown, her hair cascading behind her. She blended into the room's vintage ambiance, creating a tranquility like rain softly touching the heart.

Estelle turned a page, and her gentle voice began to fill the quiet night, clear and crisp.

Jonathan leaned back, watching her, listening to her. His restless thoughts were calmed, but his longing only grew stronger.

Eventually, Estelle closed the book, a sleepy smile on her face, "That's enough for tonight. I'm going to sleep!"

Jonathan nodded slowly, "When will you be back?"

Rubbing her eyes, Estelle murmured, "I'm too sleepy, I'm going to bed now."

He felt a pang of concern, "Alright, sleep well."

"Goodnight!" With a wave and a smile, she ended the call.

Jonathan set down his phone, still motionless, then picked up the note again, reading those few words over and over.

Estelle had been gone for eight days. Maybe he could visit this weekend. He could say he was visiting his grandfather; that excuse should work.

Jonathan smiled to himself, put down the note, and stood up to take a shower.

The next day

Early in the morning, Sabina approached Jonathan in the office with an awkward expression and began to report on her work.

After discussing her tasks, she glanced up slyly, "I've already called your mother about visiting this weekend. But I'm not sure what Mrs. Lamont likes, so could I perhaps invite Mr. Lamont to help me pick out a gift over lunch?"

Jonathan looked up, his gaze cool," Sabina, what was your initial purpose for joining the Lamont Group?"

Sabina was taken aback but quickly replied, "The Lamont Group is a leader in many fields. I hoped to realize my personal value here."

That was the same line she'd given to the HR manager during her interview.

"And what is your personal value?" Jonathan pressed on.

Sabina paused, at a loss for words.

Jonathan's eyes were icy as he watched her, "Is it to bask in compliments at social events, or to curry favor with your superiors?"