Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3188

Panic flashed visibly across Caleb's face. "Didn't she lose it this morning? Why would they need to check last night's footage?"

Norah instantly caught onto Gonzalez's strategy. Her anger and anxiety evaporated, replaced by the relaxed demeanor of someone watching a good show. "Of course they have to check last night's footage. Maybe Lorelei went down to the river last night, slept on it, and simply forgot!"

Sara's sharp mind quickly pieced together the hidden meaning in Gonzalez and Norah's words. She eagerly fanned the flames. "Oh, so Lorelei went to the river last night? It was awfully dark out there. I bet she wasn't alone!"

Caleb's panic flared into anger. He pointed a shaking finger at Sara. "Don't spout bullshit!"

"We're talking about Lorelei," Sara retorted with a cold smile. "Why are you getting so worked up?"

Holly gave Caleb a suspicious look, her brow furrowing. "Yeah, why are you so agitated?"

Caleb stammered, "I-I just can't stand seeing them gang up and bully people!"

Norah's voice was laced with meaning. "Seeing how furious you are, anyone would think it's your girlfriend they're bullying."

"What are you talking about?!" Guilty and humiliated, Caleb lunged forward, trying to shove Norah.

Gonzalez yanked Norah behind him and planted a swift, brutal kick squarely in Caleb's chest, sending him flying backward. "Keep your filthy hands off her. Touch her again, and I'll make you disappear right alongside that watch."

Adrian immediately stepped in front of Norah as well, forming a solid wall of defense.

Caleb collapsed onto the ground, clutching his stomach in agony and gasping for air.

Holly hurried over to help him up, but her eyes were already filled with doubt. "What is wrong with you?"

"I..." Caleb avoided her gaze, burying his head and pretending his stomach hurt too much to speak.

"How could you hit him?!" Whitney shrieked angrily.

"Caleb threw the first punch," Adrian fired back. "That's called self-defense!"

Gonzalez glanced at Norah, opening his mouth to speak, but ultimately swallowed his words.

Now, Lorelei could no longer keep her composure. She had wanted mutual destruction, but it looked like she was going to be the only one publicly humiliated.

Her mind raced, and she instantly pivoted. "Oh, wait! Now I remember. I don't think I put my watch on when I went down to wash my face this morning. It might still be in my tent!"

Lorelei's sudden, seamless change in demeanor left even Caleb—her most staunch defender—absolutely dumbfounded.

He walked over, his brows knit tightly. "Didn't you say it was stolen?"

"I just assumed it was!" Lorelei offered an awkward, apologetic laugh. "Let me go back and check."

She turned to Gonzalez. "Mr. Hanson, please cancel the police call. Let's not bother the authorities over nothing."