Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Yvonne's mother, Hannah, exclaimed in surprise, "Norah's actually working part-time at a barbecue restaurant? What's this, our little princess going off to experience the common folk's hardships?" Norah offered a cool, almost amused smile, "I don't find it tough at all. I just, you know, really enjoy barbecue."

Everyone thought Norah was just joking, which made her seem even more endearing, like a child. After a few laughs, the conversation drifted to other topics.

Norah let out a soft sigh, and just as she looked up, she caught Xavier's gaze on her. Her heart skipped a beat, leaving her momentarily frozen as their eyes locked.

Xavier quickly looked away, continuing with his meal.

As the night wore on and drinks flowed, Xavier stood up and left the table. Without a doubt, Norah knew he was stepping out for a smoke.

She tried to resist the urge but ultimately couldn't help herself and found an excuse to leave as well.

The venue was surrounded by picturesque waterways, twisting and winding around. Norah searched for Xavier but couldn't find him. Just as she was about to head back, she heard a warm voice from behind, "Norah." Turning around, her expression cooled, "You needed something?"

Yvonne offered a smile, "You came out looking for Gonzalez, didn't you?"

Norah frowned, "Who said that? I just had a bit too much to drink and felt a bit dizzy, needed some fresh air."

Yvonne's smile turned sly, not pressing further on Xavier. Instead, she casually asked, "How's Jonathan? Why didn't he come with you?"

Norah replied, "Still hung up on my Jonathan, huh? You should be glad he didn't come. He made you leave J City; he'd be furious to see you back!"

Yvonne's smile faded somewhat, a shadow flickering in her eyes, "Can't I come back for the holidays?"

"That's something you should ask my Jonathan!" retorted Norah, visibly annoyed.

Yvonne's self-mockery was evident, "Like I'd dare. He'd rather see me dead!"

Norah turned away, uninterested in delving further into the topic.

Yvonne sighed, "Norah, I'm sorry for what I did to Estelle, but I never wronged you. We've known each other since we were kids. Why let an outsider come between us?"

"Outsider?" Norah scoffed, "Calling my kin Estelle an outsider? That's hilarious!"

Yvonne's expression stiffened briefly before she forced a smile, "I misspoke. Don't take it to heart."

She paused, then continued, "Norah,

I truly am sorry. I don't want to stay abroad forever. My dad's health is declining; he needs me. Could you possibly talk to your Jonathan for me, ask him to stop targeting me?" "If you were upright and

straightforward, no one would target you!" Norah declared firmly. "My Jonathan is protecting Estelle. You know how much he loves her.

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Anyone who dares to harm Estelle is

an enemy in his eyes!"

Yvonne's resentment surfaced, her expression darkening, "Norah, seems like neither of our families knows about you and Xavier!"

"Is that a threat?" Norah's gaze turned icy. "We're friends. I work at his barbecue place. There's nothing to hide. Feel free to tell anyone!" Yvonne quickly smiled, "Norah, you misunderstood. I just meant there's no need to keep your friendship a secret from our parents." "As I please!" Norah shot back.

"Bang!"

Suddenly, a gunshot echoed, something whizzing past Yvonne's ear, making her scream in fright.

Henson approached, holding a pellet gun, his tone indifferent, "Sorry, Yvonne, was aiming at a fish. Didn't hurt you, did I?"

Yvonne, still shaken, turned to see indeed a fish floating up to the surface.

She forced a smile, "No harm done, just got startled."

Henson instructed the nearby manager nonchalantly, "The fish was making too much noise, disturbing the peace. Steam it!"

The manager immediately set someone to retrieve the fish.

Fish don't speak or make noise, and Yvonne knew Henson's remarks were targeted at her, leaving her face flushed with embarrassment.

She couldn't fathom how Estelle managed to win over the Lamont family's favor so completely.