Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2180

"Ha-ha-ha!" Baron threw his head back in laughter, holding his glass aloft. "Well then, we really should have met earlier. Here's to Ms. Jarvis, may our future interactions be nothing but pleasant!"

Eugene was quick to interject, "Sylvia's not feeling well, so I'll toast to Mr. Barlow on her behalf."

Baron's smile remained, but his eyes had turned icy, the kind of cold one reserves for a rival. "Eugene, playing the knight in shining armor, are we?"

Eugene, ever the picture of grace, spoke plainly, "Indeed. Sylvia's stunning, and naturally, that attracts some unsavory attention."

Baron's smile had a mocking edge. "And what role do you play in Ms. Jarvis's life? Boyfriend?"

Eugene's face soured slightly, "Just friends. Is that a problem?"

Baron chuckled dismissively, "No problem at all! Of course, Ms. Jarvis has a lot of friends. I wonder where you stand in line, Eugene?"

"As friends, there's no first or last," Sylvia chimed in, lifting her glass. "Here's to both of you for considering me a friend."

With that, she tipped back her glass and drained it in one go.

Baron and Eugene had no choice but to follow suit and drink.

Dannis, sensing the tension, deftly changed the subject. Baron, knowing better than to rush things on his first meeting with Sylvia, dialed it back.

The group continued to chat and laugh. After the meal, Baron mentioned he had booked a private room upstairs and invited everyone to continue the evening with drinks and karaoke.

Sylvia didn't want any more interaction with Baron. Usually, she'd make up an excuse and leave, but tonight, she remained silent.

Across from her, Gabriel also said nothing.

And so, they all ended up heading upstairs.

In the flashy room, amid the glitz and glamour, the allure of beautiful women, and the influence of alcohol, repressed desires were given free rein, tempers flared, and moral standards began to slip.

Dannis, red-faced with joy, had his arms wrapped around a hostess, and even Shirley didn't push away the voluptuous girl snuggled up beside him.

A girl in a uniform sat next to Gabriel, seemingly intimidated by his cool aura, and edged closer bit by bit. With sultry eyes and a voice that could melt bones, she cooed,

"What would you like to drink, sir?"

Gabriel, leaning back against the sofa, his stern face flickering in the changing lights, seemed even more unapproachable. "I don't need anything," he replied coolly.

The girl paused, then leaned forward with the poured drink, her eyes flirtatiously fixed on him. "If you don't want to lift a finger, may I be of service and feed you?"

Sylvia, pouring herself another drink, glanced sideways just in time to catch sight of Gabriel's hand resting on the sofa.