Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2716

However, Xavier managed to restrain himself, holding back his rage. His body was tense, and the muscles in the hand he pressed against the door bulged, trembling slightly.

A dull ache spread through Norah's heart. She couldn't help but tighten her arms around his waist, pressing her face to his chest. Through his clothes, she placed a gentle kiss over his heart.

In the dim light, the man's eyes flickered. He looked down at the girl holding him tight.

He couldn't see her expression clearly, but in that moment, he understood what her kiss meant. He could even feel her anxiety and the way her brow furrowed in pain for him.

For a fleeting moment, his mind drifted. He lowered his hand and gently placed it on her shoulder.

Norah's breath caught. A surge of joy washed over her, mingling with the heartache. The complex emotions brought tears to her eyes.

She knew he was holding back for her sake. If she weren't there, he would never have spared the woman who had stolen his mother's place.

He claimed he didn't like her, his cold attitude pushing everyone away, yet here he was, being so considerate of her. What could she do but love him even more?

Norah pressed herself tightly against his chest, all thoughts of shame or modesty forgotten.

Outside, Yvonne asked, “Mom, what exactly do you mean?”

“Nothing much. Don't worry, I know what I'm saying and doing!” Hannah said, looking completely self-assured. “Just remember, you have to stay connected to Jonathan, have some kind of relationship with him. Even if he hates you, it's fine. You have to make sure he's always aware of your existence. Even if you lose in the end, as long as you're associated with him, in the eyes of others, you'll be one of his people. The resources and connections you want will all be yours.”

Yvonne seemed thoughtful. After a moment, she said, “But I still don't want to make enemies of the Lamont family. Please, don't say anything reckless to offend them again.”

“Alright, I know!” Hannah took Yvonne's arm and smiled. “My daughter is so beautiful. Is there anything she can't get? It's just a matter of time!”

Xavier closed the wardrobe door. “Don't worry,” he said coolly. “Not everyone is like Simon.” And Estelle would never be as weak as his mother had been.

Norah's eyes narrowed slightly. “When you were little, did that woman, Hannah, bully you often?”

Everyone said Hannah was a kind and gentle stepmother, while the Hanson family's son was rebellious, unmanageable, ungrateful, and couldn't accept her. But behind closed doors, who knew the pain he endured? When Hannah schemed against him, even his own father probably didn't believe him.

Xavier never spoke a word about his past, which only made Norah's heart ache for him more. She wished he would confide in her and release his burdens.

Xavier still didn't want to talk about it. He met her gaze for a second, then quickly looked away. “You should go now. Someone else might come in.”

Norah sniffled. Seeing that he didn't want to talk, she deliberately changed the subject with a breezy tone. “Let them come in. I've already thought it through. If we get caught, we'll just go public!”