Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2544

Eugene followed Sylvia into her office, carrying the special treat he’d picked up just for her. With an easy smile, he said, “Take a break—have something to eat first.”

Sylvia sat at her desk, her voice calm as ever. “You’ve already gone to so much trouble with Amy’s situation. Don’t go spending extra on me.”

Settling into the chair across from her, Eugene replied in his gentle, unhurried way, “Honestly? There’s nothing more rewarding in the world than making someone happy. Sure, I spent a little money, but in return, I get the satisfaction of brightening someone’s day. That’s not an expense—it’s a pleasure.”

Sylvia looked up and gave a quiet laugh. “You’re so generous. Maybe you should just hand out cash on the street—think how happy strangers would be.”

“That’s different,” Eugene said, shaking his head. “Random people would forget me the moment I turned the corner. But your team—they’ll remember this. They’re happy now, and later, they’ll remember it was you who made their day. That’s the point.”

“So,” Sylvia said, meeting his eyes, “even the generous ones have their motives.”

She studied him for a moment, then added, “You know, I’m realizing I actually don’t know you that well.”

Eugene leaned forward, a playful glint in his eyes. “Want a chance to get to know me better?”

“No thanks,” Sylvia replied, brisk and decisive, dropping her gaze back to the paperwork on her desk.

Eugene put on a comically wounded expression. “Not even a polite lie to spare my feelings?”

Despite herself, Sylvia chuckled, her head still down.

Seeing her smile, Eugene’s expression softened. He stood and said, “That’s all I wanted—to see you smile. Mission accomplished. I won’t push my luck. Get back to work. I’ll head out. If I hear anything from Harry, I’ll give you a call.”

Sylvia nodded. “Alright.”

He gestured to the bag he’d left on her desk. “Don’t forget your snack.”

Sylvia thanked him once again.

With a warm, easy smile, Eugene turned and walked out.

She watched the door swing shut behind him. Her gaze landed on the paper bag of treats, lingering there for a long moment before she finally turned back to her work.

*

The knife, of course, was meant for scaring Amy.

Now, with a weapon on him, two more officers crowded in, searching him thoroughly.

Harry quickly tried to defuse the situation. “It’s a misunderstanding! It’s just a kitchen knife—I just bought it at the supermarket!”

Suddenly, one of the officers fished a glass vial from Harry’s pocket. His face darkened. “And what’s this?”

Harry stared, dumbfounded. “I—I don’t know. Is that even mine?”

“We found it on you, and you’re still denying it?” The officer’s tone turned icy as he snapped on a pair of handcuffs.

Harry might not have much experience, but he wasn’t stupid. He realized, with a sick feeling, exactly what was in the bottle. His face went pale as he protested, “It’s not mine! I swear, it’s not mine!”

“Take him in,” the officer ordered. “He seems a little off—keep an eye on him.”

Terrified, Harry was led away, repeating over and over, “It’s not mine! I’ve never used that stuff! It’s really not mine!”