Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2629

Sylvia couldn't help but try to peer into the house, but the latticed windows reflected the sun, creating a hazy shimmer that obscured everything and only deepened the mystery.

A moment later, the wise man emerged holding a paper talisman. He handed it to Sylvia. “Keep this with you. It will clear your mind and bring clarity to your heart.”

Although Sylvia didn't believe in such things, she was touched by the old man’s kindness. She accepted it reverently, holding it to her chest. “Thank you, master.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, his smile growing even more benevolent. “Now, my dear, if you’ll look here.”

He pulled a cord from around his neck, revealing a small plaque hanging from it.

On the plaque was a QR code.

“That’ll be two hundred dollars, please,” the wise man said with a pleasant smile.

Sylvia stared at him, utterly dumbfounded.

Gabriel, who had been silent the whole time, turned his head and let out a low chuckle, the unconcealed mockery in his voice ringing clear.

Sylvia meekly took out her phone, scanned the code, and paid the two hundred dollars.

As they left the courtyard, Gabriel was still laughing as if he’d never witnessed anything so absurd in his life.

Sylvia, fuming, stopped abruptly, spun around, and shoved the talisman into his hand. “Stop laughing!” she ordered.

“You should keep it. It’s supposed to clear your mind,” Gabriel teased. “A wise man who’s read Joan Didion can’t be your average charlatan. It might actually work.”

Sylvia covered her face with her hands and took a deep, steadying breath to quell her frustration.

Gabriel’s face darkened. He stood up to leave, as if he couldn’t bear to look at her. He clearly wasn't used to being defied.

“Don’t go!” Sylvia quickly reached out and grabbed his sleeve.

The gesture instantly reminded her of that night back in February when she had clung to him just like this, begging him not to leave. The memory was still a sharp sting in her heart.

She let go, forcing a smile. “You can’t just get angry and walk off every time we disagree.”

Gabriel leaned back against the rock, his irritation clear. “When have I ever gotten angry with you and not ended up being the one who’s furious with myself?”

Sylvia thought she heard a hint of fondness in his tone but, afraid she was imagining it, she took another long gulp of water and said cheerfully, “Besides, I wasn’t really scammed. Think about it—the wise man told my fortune, interpreted it, and even gave me a talisman. Why shouldn’t he be paid? How else would he survive? Even enlightened masters have to eat, right?”