He strolled over to Estelle's usual spot, sinking into the chair across from where she sat, noticing her coffee was only half-finished, the chocolate cake untouched, as if in her haste upon receiving his call, she hadn't had a chance to savor a single bite.
She must have rushed out to protect him.
Lambert took a deep breath, a heavy weight seemed to press upon his chest, making it hard to breathe.
He told himself, she was just a mere woman, no need to get worked up over her. Yet, from the moment Estelle was taken, a growing unease had started to pile up, spreading within him, turning to panic.
Raiden had said using Estelle for experiments posed no risk to her life, but they all knew too well, once you entered that building, there was no coming out!
Looking at the slice of chocolate cake on the plate, Lambert recalled the last look Estelle gave him, one of betrayal by one of her own, filled with disbelief and resentment.
He closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself not to dwell on it any longer, and stood up to leave quickly.
The lab was brightly lit, Estelle lay on a bed surrounded by various machines.
Three doctors in white protective gear stood by her, their expressions detached as they watched Estelle, the air chilling to a standstill, save for the glaring light from the incandescent bulbs overhead.
A nurse wheeled over a cart with chilled vials, and after checking Estelle's closed eyes, one of the doctors took a syringe from her and slowly injected the pale blue liquid into Estelle's delicate arm.
J City
At five in the afternoon, Sabina entered the CEO's office to report on the schedule. "Mr. Lamont, the exclusive wine reception is set at The Sailing Hotel's thirty-seventh-floor banquet hall, starting at eight."
Jonathan glanced at his documents, somewhat distracted, "Alright, I got it!"
Sabina hesitated, her voice softening, "I happen to be free tonight, I could accompany you."
Without looking up, Jonathan said, "No need."
People continually came up to toast him, and Jonathan, with his noble and indifferent demeanor, humored them with a couple of drinks as a generous courtesy.
The president of the Griffith Group, a supplier for the exclusive club, approached with a look of anxious respect, "I didn't expect Mr. Lamont to come personally, it's been a long time, let me offer you a drink."
Before Jonathan could respond, a graceful female voice came from behind, "Mr. Lamont hasn't been feeling well these past few days, I'll toast to Mr. Dalton on behalf of Mr. Lamont!"
Jonathan turned to see Sabina. Hiseyes betrayed nothing, his expression as cool and distant as ever.
"This is," Mr. Dalton said excitedly, recognizing her, "Mr. Lamont's assistant, Miss Sabina Macclain, am I right?"
"That's me!" Sabina, donning a coffee-colored, bejeweled backless dress, exuded poised elegance with a touch of noble sensuality. She raised her glass to Mr. Dalton, "On behalf of Mr. Lamont, cheers!"
"Ms. Macclain is as beautiful as the rumors say!" Mr. Dalton, his face flushed from the alcohol, complimented after taking the drink.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...