Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1939

"No, I need to see her now!" Jonathan's voice was hoarse, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

He turned to face Sylvia, "Lambert's discussing a new energy development partnership with Zion and Raiden, right?"

Sylvia nodded, "That seems to be the case."

Jonathan beckoned his assistant, Mike, and instructed him, "Triceratops has been waiting on my word. Tell him I'm also very interested in Raiden's new energy project. I'll head over to Zion this afternoon!" Mike responded immediately, "Yes, I'll get in touch with Triceratops right away!"

Raiden soon received a call from Triceratops, instructing him to prepare for a visit from Alvis.

Raiden felt there was something fishy. "Is Alvis really coming for the new energy?"

The show of force earlier didn't quite add up.

"We might have ticked him off with our dealings with the Brennan family. He's probably coming to throw his weight around. Once he arrives, we can test the waters to see where he stands," Triceratops said, his voice tense and breathless after just a few words.

"Look, the Brennan family aren't to be trifled with either. If Alvis is willing, we could all work together!" Raiden suggested.

"Just make sure you don't ruffle his feathers. If you upset the balance and get the Mystoria Federation and Gab to join forces against us, we'll be sitting ducks," Triceratops warned in a serious tone, fighting for breath.

"I know what to do. Please take care of yourself," Raiden reassured him.

"Yeah," Triceratops managed to reply before hanging up.

Raiden set down his phone, his eyes reflecting a cold determination. He couldn't fathom why the usually neutral Federation was suddenly sticking their nose in, throwing his plans into disarray. With Lambert already a wildcard and now Alvis stepping in, Zion was about to become a whole lot more interesting.

Raiden let out a derisive chuckle and dialed Winston, "Alvis is coming to Zion. Get ready for his arrival. Also, give Mr. Brennan a heads-up. There might be changes to our arrangement." Winston, a bit startled, quickly responded, "Understood!"

Lambert, after receiving Winston's call, returned to the villa to find Estelle. "Get ready, Raiden is hosting a dinner tonight and we're both invited!"

Estelle cracked a cold joke, "Is it to celebrate my narrow escape from his clutches?"

Lambert's piercing eyes fixed on Estelle as he smirked, "Don't flatter yourself. We're expecting an important guest."

"Who might this important guest be?" Estelle asked.

"Alvis is coming!"

Estelle was surprised, "The Alvis of the Mystoria Federation?"

"That's the one!" Lambert chuckled, "Seems like you're quite familiar with the Tripe political landscape. Who exactly are you?" Estelle's tone remained cool, "That's none of your business."

Lambert blinked playfully, "Of course it's none of my business. I would certainly remember a girl I've had dealings with."

Estelle ignored him and went upstairs.

Lambert felt a sense of helplessness towards Estelle's coldness, but who could he blame? Winning the trust of a girl like Estelle was no easy feat, and regaining it once lost was even harder.

Estelle's head was throbbing, but she dared not sleep. She sat on the balcony sofa, soaking up the sun.

On the side table lay a detox potion Lambert had procured for her. She toyed with it, pondering his words earlier.

Alvis was coming.

Alvis himself was a mysterious figure, ruling over the Mystoria Federation from the shadows, rarely showing his face. Because of his own strength, he never got involved in the squabbles between Gab and Triceratops.

Once, she had even admired him!

What was his purpose for coming?

Was it really for the new energy source, or was it for something the researcher held?

Estelle leaned towards the latter. After all, the Federation wasn't short on energy, but research related to weaponry was surely of more interest to him.

He must have received some intel, prompting his visit.

A little chaos in the situation might be good. It would keep Raiden from focusing solely on her.

Lost in her thoughts and lulled by the warmth of the sun, Estelle eventually drifted off to sleep.