Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3066

Dylan pulled back his shirt to show Xavier the dark bruises mottling his ribs, his voice shaking with fury. "My parents have every legal permit for this property. This land isn't even part of their resort zoning. They want to tear it down just because they feel like it! Who gave them that right? The compensation they're offering is an absolute joke. How are my parents supposed to survive? But the developers have money and connections. No one around here is willing to stand up for us."

Norah was outraged. "That's practically extortion! You need to sue them!"

Dylan offered a bitter smile. "It wouldn't do any good."

Leila, sitting beside him, muttered under her breath, "Honestly, if they just increased the payout, it wouldn't be the worst thing to..."

"I don't care how much they offer, we are not tearing it down!" Dylan snapped, cutting her off. "We already sold our family home. This B&B is all my parents have left. Where are they supposed to go if we sell?"

Leila forced an awkward smile. "I was just throwing it out there as an option."

Xavier nodded slowly. "I understand the situation. I'll figure something out."

Dylan looked down, thoroughly ashamed. "I really didn't have anyone else to turn to, Xavier. I know you're based in J City and probably don't have much reach out here in Bloomfield."

He had been absolutely desperate when he made the call.

He never expected Xavier to drop everything and drive out the very same day.

Xavier's voice was resolute. "Conner was my brother. His family is my family. Don't worry, I will handle this."

Mr. and Mrs. Donovan thanked him profusely, tears welling in their eyes.

By the time they finished talking, it was past eleven. Dylan led them upstairs and gave them two separate rooms so they could finally rest.

As they walked up the wooden stairs, Norah leaned close to Xavier and whispered, "I didn't bring any luggage!"

Xavier turned to Dylan. "Do you have any spare toiletries? We rushed out here empty-handed."

"Yes, absolutely! We might not have much, but we have plenty of basic supplies!"

Dylan quickly asked Leila to bring fresh sheets and an unopened set of toiletries to Norah's room.

Since it was a functional bed-and-breakfast, they were always stocked with the essentials.

Xavier's and Norah's rooms were right next to each other. Before stepping inside, Xavier looked at her. "Call me if you need anything."

Finally, she grabbed her phone and shot Xavier a text: *Are you asleep?*

Xavier called her immediately. "What's wrong?"

In the dead of night, in a completely unfamiliar place, the low, gravelly sound of his voice provided an overwhelming sense of security.

Norah bit her lip, whispering, "I can't sleep."

Xavier's tone deepened with concern. "Are you sick? Was it the apple?"

Norah mumbled, "No."

"Then what is it?"

Before he could finish the sentence, a blood-curdling scream erupted from Norah through the receiver.

His face drained of color. He dropped his phone, threw his door open, and bolted into the hallway.