Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1976

Estelle offered a sheepish grin, "Let's just eat, shall we?"

Lambert said, "Oh, by the way, Santa Claus paid us a visit last night at our place, seemed pretty fierce too. Anything unusual happen around here?"

Sylvia glanced surreptitiously at Jonathan, her expression one of shock, "Santa? Could it have been some kind of act set up by the folks from Zion?" Estelle looked down at her steak, her heart skipping a beat. So Lambert had been knocked out last night!

Rubbing his neck, Lambert winced, "Still hurts. If it was someone from Zion, I'll make them pay! Oh, and," he turned to Estelle, "I didn't get a chance to give you your present yesterday." "What?" Estelle raised an eyebrow.

She was unaware that Lambert had also dressed up as Santa in an attempt to enter her room, thinking he merely referred to a run-in with the Santa who was supposed to deliver her gift. Lambert presented the gift, placing it in front of Estelle, "Open it and see!"

A sleek, black velvet jewelry box. Not daring to look at Jonathan, Estelle pushed the box back, "I appreciate the thought. Thank you!"

"In front of Mr. Alvis and Ms. Beverly, you're being formal with me?" Lambert's eyes were tender as he opened the box and drew out a diamond necklace.

The large diamond glittered brilliantly.

Despite the awkward timing, Sylvia couldn't help but express her admiration, "What a gorgeous necklace!"

Jonathan's gaze was fixed on Estelle, his eyes as cold and piercing as the diamond's sparkle.

Estelle immediately declined, "It's too valuable, I can't accept it."

"Just now on the way here, you said my sincerity wasn't worth much. What about now?" Lambert challenged with a raised eyebrow.

Estelle replied, "Value isn't measured by money or diamonds."

"But I feel there's nothing that expresses my true feelings better than a diamond."

Suddenly, Jonathan set down his silverware, the clink against the marble table echoed coolly, matching the sharp edge in his voice, "Are you two here to flaunt your romance in my face?" Estelle blushed fiercely, her head bowed, her ears burning.

Seeing her like this, Jonathan's heart softened, and he said quietly, "Let's eat."

But Lambert's gaze was intense, watching the beautiful flush on Estelle's cheeks, he whispered, "First time I've seen you blush."

The anger in Jonathan had just subsided flared up again.

Sylvia handed Jonathan a glass of ice water at just the right moment, "It's a bit hot. Some water might help."

Jonathan had intended to have a pleasant meal with Estelle, but it was turning out to be as uncomfortable as indigestion.

After the meal, Estelle excused herself to the restroom. As she stood at the sink, about to wash her hands, the door opened and Jonathan came in, wrapping his arms around her from behind and planting a kiss on her lips.

Estelle's breath carried the sweet scent of wine.

Jonathan held her tightly, his movements rough with evident displeasure.

Estelle didn't shy away, responding to his aggression with gentleness, slowly calming him until his emotions stabilized.

"I can't take it!" Jonathan's voice was hoarse and strained as he nuzzled her neck.

He had never felt so frustrated before!

She was his woman, after all!

Estelle turned in his embrace, her back against the sink, and hugged his waist, whispering close to his chest, "You knew this would happen, so why invite us to dinner?"

"Because I missed you!" Jonathan took a deep breath, "Knowing you were close by but untouchable, unseen."

It was maddening!

Estelle chuckled softly, holding him tighter, "Trust me, Lambert's just showing off, that's all."

"Are you sure he doesn't have other intentions?" The man frowned.

"Positive!" Estelle assured him firmly.

Whatever Lambert's feelings for Estelle might be, complex and obsessive, there was no past between her and him. To Lambert, she was just like a tree in the forest he sought to conquer.