Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2570

A car sped toward them from the opposite direction, headlights slicing through the dusk. Minutes later, the two vehicles came to a stop, nose to nose.

Lambert stepped out first, slipping off his sunglasses with a practiced flick. An aristocratic, almost aloof smile played across his face. “Gab, it’s been far too long.”

Gab climbed out, the corners of his mouth twisted in a cold, sardonic smirk. “Mr. Brennan, your timing is impeccable as always.”

Lambert’s smile only widened. “Well, I couldn’t possibly miss out on all the fun—not when there’s a fight brewing. Besides, for Stella’s sake, I can hardly stand by and watch.”

He arched a brow, eyeing Gab with mischievous amusement. “Giles is nothing like Triceratops. When Triceratops died, you got to take over Citadel without a fuss. But if Giles dies, you’ll be making enemies left and right. The trouble you’ll face is no less than what you dealt with before.”

Gab’s expression didn’t waver. “That’s precisely why I’m allowing you to be here, Mr. Brennan.”

Lambert paused, then let out a low, appreciative laugh. “I should have known—always one step ahead, Gab. Don’t worry, for Stella’s sake, I’ll take care of things here.”

Gab’s voice was flat, almost bored. “It’s not for Stella. It’s so your place as the Brennan family heir is even more secure.”

Lambert shrugged, honest and unruffled. “That’s not entirely wrong.”

He glanced over his shoulder at the abandoned factory, checking his watch. “Should be wrapping up in there. If we head back to Citadel after the dust settles, we’ll still make it in time for the celebration party before six.”

*

Inside the factory, the battle was nearing its end. Even with the backup from the Blackwater mercenaries, Giles was on his last legs. Only a handful of his men remained by his side.

Desperate to escape death on this filthy battlefield, Giles bolted, his retreat covered by the last of his loyal soldiers.

The abandoned plant looked like a warzone—walls riddled with bullet holes, thick smoke hanging heavy in the air, the acrid stench of burning oil and chemicals choking every breath.

Giles tried to call the leader of the Blackwater squad, but only static replied. He didn’t know if they’d already abandoned him or if they’d been blown to pieces in the chaos.

Trapped, outgunned, and with no hope left, Giles realized the tide had turned for good.

“Nice shooting,” Sean called out with a cheer, clapping his hands in mock applause.

Mario turned, pride lighting up his features. “Told you he was past his prime.”

Holstering his gun, Mario fixed Sean with a skeptical stare. “Giles just told me you never betrayed Gab, that you only worked with me to sow discord. Ridiculous. Even in death, he can’t resist trying to mess with us.”

Sean’s smile grew broader, warm and innocent as if they were just two friends trading jokes. “He wasn’t wrong. Why would I ever betray Gab?”

Mario’s face froze. “You’re joking, right?”

Sean’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ve joked with you plenty of times. But this time? I’m not.”

As he spoke, Sean drew his gun in a flash and fired, the bullet slamming into Mario’s chest before he could react.