Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1965

Huff glanced back, realizing he had retreated to the bar counter. With a wry smile, he turned to the woman before him, "All right, I'll dance with you, Ms. Beverly. Just don't be mad at me." Sylvia smiled, grabbing his hand and leading him towards the dance floor.

The club was bustling, with areas for energetic dancing and a softer section for waltzes. They entered the dance floor, and Sylvia's delicate hands rested on the man's shoulders as they began to glide gracefully across the room.

Sylvia was tipsy, and Huff simply held her close, slowly pacing with her.

"When did you arrive in Zion, Mr. Huff?" Sylvia inquired.

"A couple of weeks ago," Huff replied with a subdued voice.

"A newcomer, then!" Sylvia laughed. "Where did you work before this?"

"Close to the Dragon," Huff said.

"Oh!" Sylvia nodded in sudden understanding, then frowned slightly, "My head is spinning!"

She leaned towards Huff's shoulder as she spoke. Sensing his body tense up, she chuckled softly, "Are you married, Mr. Huff?"

"I am," Huff replied.

"Really?" Sylvia squinted with a playful smile, "Are you tricking me?"

"No tricks."

Huff gently pushed her away, "Ms. Beverly, you're quite drunk. I'll have someone take you home."

"No, let me lean on you for just a bit longer," Sylvia's tone carried a hint of coquetry. With her head spinning, she closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his chin, murmuring, "Just for a moment." Huff slowed his steps, allowing her to lean on him as the dim, flickering lights played over their calm, detached expressions.

After leaving Lynn's place, Estelle hadn't bothered to change and went straight back to the bar.

The bar was a frenzy of activity tonight, with patrons donning all manner of attire. Estelle's maid costume didn't stand out in the slightest.

She weaved through the crowd until a girl approached, blocking Estelle's path, "Ivy, what are you doing here? Mr. George on the ninth floor wants you to clean his room, and you should go now!" Estelle pushed past her and continued forward.

Ivy was the alias Estelle often used, a new maid frequently bullied by the men and other maids in the building-endless chores from night watch to room cleaning.

The girl caught up again, reaching to grab Estelle's hair.

As if Estelle had eyes in the back of her head, she snatched a nearby bottle and swung it down on the girl's wrist.

"Ah!" The girl cried out in pain, looking up at Estelle in shock. The normally timid Ivy was fighting back.

Estelle ignored her and kept moving forward.

The girl held her wrist, her eyes seething with resentment.

Estelle sought Sylvia in the crowd when suddenly someone approached from behind, seizing her wrist.

Estelle dodged and was halfway into a defensive stance when she stopped short, turning to see a man wearing a golden fox mask.

Jonathan pulled her toward the dance floor and into the throng of people. Once in his arms, he yanked down her mask and kissed her deeply.

The strong scent of alcohol mixed with their breath as Estelle clutched his shirt, her heartbeat accelerating with the music.

Still cautious, Estelle's eyes darted around, finding it hard to concentrate.

Jonathan whispered, "Don't worry, I've had Amiee and Nate collaborating to discreetly take control of Zion's surveillance. Anything that could be used against you will be automatically filtered out!"

His words brushed her lips, the cold touch of the golden fox mask against Estelle's face sending a tingling chill through her senses.