Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1853

Mr. Bradshaw took a liking to Manley's handsome features and impeccable manners. "Manley, it's been a while. You should come over for a cup of coffee sometime."

"Sure!" Manley replied with a light smile.

Mr. Scott was pleased to see Manley's composure and was about to speak when someone called out, "Manley Scott!"

Manley turned to see Lance approaching, his smile fading slightly, expecting an apology. His voice turned cold, "What do you want?"

Lance had changed into fresh clothes, but his face was still marred by two missing teeth, giving him an awkward appearance. His face was flushed with embarrassment as he stared at Manley, too scared to speak, yet feeling he couldn't remain silent.

Jonathan's threatening words echoed in his mind; if he didn't follow his instructions, his whole family would suffer the consequences.

Sensing Lance's hesitation and conflicted gaze, Manley's brow furrowed, "What's the matter?"

Throwing caution to the wind, Lance blurted out loudly, "Manley, I like you!"

The crowd fell silent, as if someone had hit the pause button on the scene, and for a full minute, there was utter stillness.

Manley's face slowly turned a shade of dark green, "Are you out of your mind?!"

Nervously, Lance gazed at Manley, his speech whistling through the gaps in his teeth, comical yet pitiful, "Manley, I really like you. Give me a chance!"

This time, everyone heard him clearly, and the crowd erupted.

"The Scott family's young master likes men?"

"Who would've thought!"

"He's so handsome, such a shame!"

The very same people who had been praising Manley alongside Mr. Scott were now shocked, especially Mr. Bradshaw, who was completely dumbfounded. What had he just said?

He hadn't said anything, and his daughter wasn't even there yet!

Lance, too frightened to speak, shook his head.

"You're scared to say?" Manley's lips curled into a cold smile, "Let me guess, Jonathan?"

Lance's eyes widened in shock.

"Was it really him?" Manley licked his lips with a mix of ferocity and allure, "He must be livid, resorting to such sleazy tactics!"

"I didn't say anything; you figured it out yourself. Please don't bring me up in front of him," Lance pleaded, fear evident in his voice.

"That scared of him?" Manley scoffed, "You fear him but not me? Daring to play me at his behest!"

"I—I—" Lance stammered, pressed against the wall, "I'm scared of both!"

"Scared and yet you provoke me!" Anger surged through Manley as he landed a punch on Lance's head, "You think you're even worthy of liking me!"