Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3087

With the men dragged away, pools of blood stained the asphalt—a grisly sight.

Once the path was clear, the remaining thugs scrambled to move their vehicles to the shoulder, opening the way.

Xavier gunned the engine, and the car roared down the mountain.

Norah's face was pale, and she remained completely silent.

He shot her a glance. A few minutes later, he pulled over, grabbed a tissue, and leaned in to wipe the blood from her cheek and hair. "Scared?" he asked softly.

His gaze was somber. "Do you finally understand that a man like me isn't worth your affection? Staying as far away from me as possible is the only sensible choice."

Norah looked at him, slowly reaching up to cover his hand with hers. "Is this the kind of life you used to live?"

Xavier felt a faint tremor in his chest at the soft, warm touch of her palm against his knuckles, but his expression remained stoic. "Yes."

She stared deep into his eyes. "I'm not going to romanticize you getting into fights anymore. I just want you to stay away from all that and live a safe, normal life."

The brawl had genuinely shaken her. Those were real weapons. A blade to the flesh would cause catastrophic damage, and a swing from one of those pipes could shatter bones. Xavier was formidable, but he was still flesh and blood. What if he got hurt?

Xavier held her gaze, their faces mere inches apart. "Some things are unavoidable."

"Then from now on, I go wherever you go," she declared instantly. "If you fight, I'm right there with you."

A faint smirk touched his lips. "You're not afraid?"

Her eyes darkened with intensity. "I'm much more afraid of losing you."

Xavier forcefully pulled his hand away, letting out a self-deprecating scoff. "You're out of your mind."

"Who says?" she shot back. "You're the only thing keeping me sane!"

He gave her a fleeting look, clearly exasperated by the girl's sheer stubbornness, and slammed his foot on the gas. The car surged forward.

Simon was thrilled, though a brief coughing fit interrupted his joy. "Good, good. Whatever he wants to do, let him do it. Give him whatever he asks for."

"I'll head to Bloomfield immediately," Spencer assured him.

*

At 4:00 PM, Warren Wallace received an urgent notification: Mr. Manning from headquarters was on his way. Terrified to stay in hiding any longer, Warren rushed back to the office.

He was utterly bewildered. Spencer Manning oversaw the Hanson family's hotel and catering division, but what could possibly be so important that he'd travel to Bloomfield in person?

Howard Pryce, the general manager of the resort project, had been out running errands but hurried back just as quickly.

The two men crossed paths outside the office. "Mr. Pryce, what's going on?" Warren asked anxiously. "Why is Mr. Manning here?"

Howard frowned. "I have no idea. He didn't say over the phone. Let's get inside and find out."