Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 2048

Lambert scoffed, "What do you want me to do, pluck her clean?"

The butler paused for a beat, then replied with composure, "Sir, if you don't fancy roast turkey, I'd advise against such actions."

"Fine, I'll see her now," Lambert said decisively.

"Very good, sir," the butler responded, hanging up the phone with polite deference.

Lambert put down his cell phone and turned to Estelle, "Take a breather. I've got to sort something out. We can pick up our conversation later."

Estelle doubted there was anything left to discuss between them, but she nodded slightly, "Go on, then."

Lambert left, only to return moments later, placing a box of toffees before her with a teasing smile, "If you stay with me, I promise I won't limit your sweets. Heck, I'll buy you the biggest candy factory in the world!"

"She probably doesn't need that!"

The icy voice from behind him made Lambert whirl around to face Jonathan's stormy expression. Lambert challenged, "Isn't loving someone about making them happy?"

Jonathan's eyes narrowed, his aura laced with danger, "And what gives you the right to define her happiness?"

Lambert opened his mouth to retort, but Estelle cut him off, "Weren't you busy with something? Get going."

Lambert gave her a wry smile, "I'll be off, then. I'll come back for you later."

Jonathan's presence grew more menacing as he glowered at Lambert like a provoked panther, ready to strike at any moment.

Once Lambert was gone, Estelle turned to Jonathan, "Could you get me a glass of water, please?"

Without a word, Jonathan went to fetch the water.

Returning swiftly, he crouched before Estelle with the cup, "Why even speak to him? Hasn't he hurt you enough?"

"I've forgiven him," Estelle replied simply.

"I can't," Jonathan stated flatly.

Estelle, unable to lift her left arm, gently touched his face with her right, "We're leaving tomorrow."

The thought of Estelle never seeing Lambert again slightly calmed Jonathan's rage, and he smirked, "Forget Lambert. Why are you here?"

Estelle's smile faltered as she tried to explain, "The shrapnel didn't hit anything vital. It didn't even touch bone. I can walk just fine."

Wolf had shielded her from the worst; her injuries were not as severe as Xavier's.

"When we get back, I'll be watching you. You're going to rest in bed for ten days, no arguments." He lifted her in his arms and carried her toward the room. Estelle gasped and frowned, calling out, "Jonathan!"

He ignored her, "Calling my name won't help. We have a lot to settle this time."

"Jonathan!" she protested softly, leaning against his shoulder, "Haven't we settled everything?"

"Not thoroughly enough," he replied.

"What counts as thorough?"

"Start by telling me, how did you meet Lambert?"

Estelle remained silent.

She knew it. This man couldn't get past it.

Lambert stepped out to the living room of his suite to find Linda perched on the sofa.

With her golden locks, diamond-studded bow hair accessory, and a light blue gown reminiscent of a frosted cake, Linda sat there like a petulant princess.

As Lambert entered, she stood up to greet him, "Mr. Brennan!"

Lambert's expression was frosty, "What is it?"