Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2543

The maid was clearly bruised, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she stood frozen in place, too frightened to move.

“Stand up straight, don’t move. This time I’m aiming for your forehead—hold your head up higher!” Aries, just thirteen but already nearly six feet tall, still wore the mischievous face of a boy.

The moment the maid saw Eugene step into the hallway, she choked out a trembling cry. “Master Eugene!”

Eugene frowned and looked at Aries. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

“Mom went out to play cards!” Aries announced proudly.

Their father was usually out attending business dinners, so Mrs. Winters was the one keeping Aries in check. Whenever she wasn’t home, Aries ran wild, answerable to no one.

“Come here,” Eugene beckoned with a stern gesture.

Aries sauntered over. “What do you want?”

Without a word, Eugene grabbed the air gun out of Aries’s hands, snapped it cleanly in two with a swift motion, and tossed it to the floor. “If you ever shoot at someone again—especially a woman—next time, you’ll be the one standing here getting shot at. Is that clear?”

Aries’s face crumpled as he saw his beloved gun broken. He burst into tears. “You broke my gun! I’m telling Mom!”

“Save it. No crying—you’re thirteen, not three.” Eugene’s voice was cold and sharp.

Aries shrank back, intimidated by his older brother. He wiped at his eyes, sniffling, but didn’t dare let the tears fall.

“Go to bed,” Eugene ordered.

Aries gave a huff, then stomped off, slamming his bedroom door behind him.

“Thank you, Master Eugene!” The maid said gratefully from behind him.

Eugene turned, his expression softening. “There’s no need to thank me. You’re here to work, not to be bullied. If Aries harasses you again, tell the housekeeper, or come straight to me.”

The maid nodded anxiously, still blinking away tears as she glanced at Aries’s door. “I understand. Thank you, sir.”

“Finish up and get some rest.” With that, Eugene headed for the study.

He just smiled. “Don’t tease me. If you want more afternoon tea, wait until I win your boss over—then I’ll treat you all for a month straight.”

“Promise?” someone asked excitedly.

“Promise.” Eugene’s smile was mild, but his tone left no room for doubt.

Just then, Sylvia and Milanda came down the hall from the conference room. The group quieted, not daring to joke any further.

Eugene handed a box of cake to Milanda. “This is for you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Winters!” Milanda’s eyes lit up. “It’s my favorite—caramel! You’re so thoughtful.”

“You take good care of Sylvia every day. Of course you deserve a special treat,” Eugene said, grinning.

Milanda winked at Sylvia, drawing out her words playfully. “Looks like I get perks just for being your friend, boss!”

Sylvia shot her a look, then turned and headed for her office.