Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2902

Back at his villa, the vast living room was dark and empty. The only illumination came from outside, where light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting muted shadows across the space.

He switched on the lights, unbuttoned his shirt, and grabbed a cigarette before heading out onto the balcony.

Settling into a wicker chair, he crossed his legs and let one arm drape loosely over the armrest as he gazed out into the deep night.

The cigarette ember flared and faded at his fingertips, its glow highlighting his sharp, cold features, making his steely presence seem even more forbidding in the dim light.

A short while later, his phone chimed with a notification. He opened his laptop and started a video conference.

Sean briefed him on developments at Citadel. Gabriel’s face remained impassive, his responses clipped and indifferent.

Sean, confused, had been hoping for some recognition. He’d apprehended several of Giles’s rogue men and dismantled one of their underground hideouts—surely news worth celebrating. But looking at Gabriel, it seemed nothing could lift his mood.

“Gab!” Sean mustered his courage. “Did you… did you and Ms. Jarvis have another fight?”

He’d heard that Gabriel had been irritable for days after returning from his trip around the fifth; later he learned he'd unwittingly interfered with Gabriel’s relationship, and Sylvia now apparently had a boyfriend.

Could it be happening again…?

At these words, Bruce, Bert, and a few others exchanged uneasy glances.

Unsurprisingly, Gabriel’s expression grew even more severe, his frustration now unmistakable. “Anything else?” he asked, his tone icy.

Sean forced a smile, silently thankful their conversation was happening over video call, separated by thousands of miles.

Bruce shot Sean a look, warning him to be quiet, then reported to Gabriel,

“I had the documents you requested sent over today.”

“Understood.”

“There are a few details I’d like to discuss with you directly.”

...

Gabriel: [You too.]

When Sylvia came inside, Georgia asked, “Working this late at night?”

Sylvia gave a helpless smile. “We’re in the service industry. Whenever a client has an idea or need, we have to be ready to act.”

Georgia squeezed Sylvia’s hand, her voice tinged with concern. “A girl your age should be just finishing college, or maybe even still in school, not working so hard already! If it’s too much, you don’t have to keep at it. Your mom could take care of you for life, you know!”

Sylvia sat beside her. “I don’t mind it—it makes me happy. Plus, lots of people at the company depend on me. I can’t just walk away and leave them.”

Georgia put an arm around her shoulders. “Gab taught you to be responsible. For that, I’m grateful to him.”

At the mention of Gabriel, a spark lit in Sylvia’s eyes. Leaning against Georgia, she said softly, “It’s not just me—everyone he mentors is the same.”

Georgia laughed. “Still defending him, even after a fight?”