Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1996

Mr. Tucker's grip tightened, and his stance was unwavering. "Do what you will!"

"Mr. Tucker, you'll soon realize the grave mistake you've made,"

"I've been in the business long enough to have seen it all. If worst comes to worst, I'll just pack it in. So long!"

With that, Mr. Tucker turned on his heel and strode out the door.

Once Mr. Tucker had left, the man made a call to Cliff to update him on the situation in J City.

Cliff's voice was icy when he commanded, "Dig up more dirt on KING. Use anyone you can to bring her down. I want her reputation completely destroyed, with no chance of recovery." With Jonathan out of the country, this was their only shot.

By the time he returned, KING's name would be mud, and there'd be nothing he could do to help her!

Marina had been away on business for two days and she only caught wind of the cyber-bullying against KING upon her return.

After a moment of thought, she quickly dialed Carson. "Have you seen the news? What's going on? Where's Estelle? Why isn't she speaking out?"

"What are you talking about?" Carson replied, sounding baffled. "I just got back from M Country."

"Just check the news!" Marina snapped.

Trying to keep his composure, Carson browsed the headlines, "Why are you snapping at me? It's not like it's my fault."

"Sorry, I lost my cool," Marina softened her tone.

"All's forgiven," Carson said as he opened the news, the top trending story about KING catching his eye.

As he skimmed through the article, his expression grew colder. "Estelle and Jonah aren't even in J City; Ms. Sampson and Morrison are off on their honeymoon, and even Charlie's out on business with Emily. The other side must have planned this, waiting for the perfect moment to strike when they were all gone."

"Estelle's not in J City? No wonder!" Marina said with a cold laugh.

Her chances to see Estelle were mostly at group gatherings, and since Magdalen's wedding, she hadn't even seen Carson, let alone Estelle, so she had no clue that Estelle was out of J City.

No wonder Estelle's detractors were so bold, because they knew full well that both she and Jonathan were away.

Swooping in when she was away, the audacity of it!

"Where are you? Let's meet up," Carson suggested.

Marina proposed a Western restaurant that was close to both of them.

Half an hour later, they met in a private dining room. Marina got straight to the point, "I couldn't get through to Estelle. Can you reach Mr. Lamont?"

"I just tried calling Jonah, and it went straight to voicemail," Carson replied.

"Where could they have gone? Did they leave together?" Marina inquired.

"No idea," Carson shook his head.

Marina was visibly irritated. "Aren't you Mr. Lamont's friend? How come you don't know anything?"

A chill crossed Carson's handsome face. "Friends are friends, but we don't share every secret. Or are you just upset because Freddy dumped you again and you're looking to take it out on me?" "You" Marina's face flushed, but then quickly paled. Staring at Carson, she suddenly snatched up her purse and stormed out.

Carson rose swiftly to catch her arm, "What's the rush? Can't handle even a mention of him?"

Marina jerked away, "Let me go!"

Carson held her firm, taking a deep breath, "Sorry, it was just a joke!"

Marina kept her head down, with her lashes quivering. She didn't want to seem too hung up on her ex and unable to take a joke. Struggling for composure, she spoke evenly, "Mr. Foster, you know the nature o our relationship. I'd prefer that we don't meddle in each other's private lives, and let's not bring it up again."