Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2488

In the photo, it's Sophia and Connor, caught in a cozy chat at the coffee shop right across from the studio, where Connor slides a card across the table to her.

The angle of the shot suggests something more than a casual conversation.

Another picture captures Connor waving goodbye with a wide grin, as if he'd accomplished what he came for.

Sophia tries to call Connor, but after two attempts with no answer, her phone rings. It's her assistant, Tina.

Catching Sophia off guard, Tina's voice comes through, panicked, "Sophia, we've got trouble. The internet is ablaze with rumors that you're accepting bribes from clients. Now, Yolanda's stormed into the studio with reporters in tow, threatening to blow the lid off everything. I'm trying to reason with her, but she's not having any of it!"

"I'll be right there. Just try to keep things under control," Sophia responds, her voice steady but firm.

"Be careful on your way over," Tina adds, the worry palpable in her tone.

After hanging up, Sophia takes a moment to process everything, reflecting on the day in question.

She had brought Tina along that day, but Connor had something private to discuss, sending Tina off in the direction of the restroom.

Why would anyone take those photos unless it was premeditated? Could Tina...? But no, Tina had headed towards the restroom, while the photo was taken from behind Sophia, several seats away, near a grand piano.

The logical photo spot would be near the piano, but Sophia couldn't piece it together just yet. For now, she drives to the studio.

Upon arrival, the studio is in uproar, voices raised in what sounds like an intense argument. Sophia recognizes the voice immediately.

The reporters, now on their feet, watch intently as Sophia examines the images spread out before her, all sourced from online.

Yolanda, seething with anger, accuses, "No wonder the design took an extra two days. Connor complained about the cost of the ring but kept silent because you two had conspired. You took his money, designing a ring I'd never like, convincing me to settle for a smaller diamond. And you call yourself a designer?"

"You've made it to director? The studio must be blind!"

Hannah immediately counters, "Ms. Yolanda, watch your language, please!"

Sophia, taken aback, interjects, "But didn't Connor discuss swapping out the ring with you?"

She hadn't agreed to Connor's initial proposal, yet days later, Yolanda herself had agreed to downsize to a three-carat diamond, presumably after Connor had convinced her, or so Sophia had thought.