Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3084

The room fell dead silent. Even Xavier looked up at Norah.

Her radiant complexion was striking as she unlocked her phone, pulled up the recording, and hit play.

The crystal-clear audio of two people conversing filled the room. It started with Leila's voice.

"Even without holes, they'll find a way in. Mice are relentless. They probably just climbed through the window."

Then Norah: "I hate mice more than anything. I had one in my apartment back in J City, and I have no idea how it got in."

"You rent an apartment in J City?"

"Yeah!"

...

The playback continued until Leila's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Norah, why don't you and Xavier just drop this whole Donovan family business?"

Norah's feigned shock echoed through the speaker. "What?"

"I'll give you a few thousand dollars. You convince Xavier to leave. How about it?"

"Why would you do that?"

"Just don't ask. If you and Xavier agree to walk away and stop interfering with the demolition, I'll pay you right now!"

...

Then, Norah's tone turned icy. "It was you."

"What was me?"

"You want the Donovans' B&B demolished so you can take the payout and buy a house in H City. Am I right?"

"What does it matter to you? Does my family's business have anything to do with you? You two need to stop sticking your noses where they don't belong!"

Norah opened her mouth to shoot down the blatant lies, but Xavier gripped her wrist firmly.

He had no interest in arguing. Arguing never solved anything.

His voice was deep and steady. "As I said, I'll give you an answer. By this afternoon, at the latest, I'll have the whole truth laid out for you."

With that, he pulled Norah toward the door.

Norah caught Leila glaring at her through her tears and shot her a venomous look in return.

Just as they stepped outside, Mrs. Donovan called out, "Xavier!"

He paused and turned. "Ma'am."

Mrs. Donovan stood there, looking at him with earnest eyes. "I believe you. Our whole family believes you. Because you were Conner's friend."

With his strikingly handsome features and razor-sharp presence, Xavier looked every bit the formidable man he was. He spoke slowly. "Thank you for your trust. No matter what anyone says, I will protect you in Conner's place."