Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2362

The girl was dressed to the nines in a Chanel-inspired outfit, her neck draped with a ruby necklace that glittered under the café lights. She pouted at her boyfriend, exasperated, “I'm so tired, and there's not even a place to sit!”

Her boyfriend, wearing a sleek black leather jacket, tried to soothe her, “Don't worry, babe. I'll spend whatever it takes to get you a seat.”

Her eyes wandered around the room until they settled on Estelle and Jonathan’s table. Pointing decisively, she said, “That spot’s perfect. Right by the window with a view outside.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart!” the man laughed, making his way over to Jonathan. “Hey, mind giving up your seats?”

He took out his phone, “I'll Venmo you $200. Just find another spot for you and your girlfriend.”

Jonathan, surprised by the brazen offer, looked up at the man but remained silent.

“Did you hear me?” the man pressed, becoming irritated by Jonathan’s silence. “Not enough? How about $500?”

Estelle’s voice was chilly, “I’ll give you $5,000 to leave us alone. How about that?”

The man sneered, reaching for Estelle’s coffee cup, “Refuse a simple request and you’ll face the consequences. You’re giving up those seats whether you like it or not.”

Before he could continue, Jonathan’s foot connected solidly with him, sending him sprawling into a nearby table, grimacing in pain and struggling twice to get back on his feet.

The room fell silent as everyone’s attention turned to the commotion.

The girl rushed over to help her boyfriend, glaring at Estelle, “Do you even know who my boyfriend is? You’ll regret this!”

“Do you know him?” Estelle asked Jonathan.

“No, I don’t,” Jonathan replied.

Estelle laughed softly, “And here I thought he was someone significant.”

The man, regaining confidence, wrapped an arm around his girlfriend, “Don’t worry, babe. When it comes to spending money, we won’t lose.”

Estelle regarded the owner coolly, “Is this really how you conduct business?”

The owner replied with a smug grin, “No offense, miss. Business is business. If you can pay, you stay. If not, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

The man sneered, “This is his place, so he makes the rules. If you can’t afford it, better scram!”

As he finished, Jonathan’s cold gaze landed on him, sharp and piercing. The man flinched, feeling the sting of the earlier kick.

The other patrons murmured among themselves, mostly siding with Jonathan and Estelle, though some resignedly noted that money often dictates outcomes in this world.

Estelle then addressed the owner, “This place is rented, isn’t it?”