Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2298

Sylvia chuckled, "Thanks for looking out for me this past year, and Happy New Year!"

Her voice was gentle, yet it always carried a hint of distance and politeness, even towards him. Despite years of friendship, he still couldn't break through her walls, couldn't become someone she wouldn't guard against.

She was equally kind and equally distant to everyone.

He responded with genuine concern, "Happy New Year!"

Pausing, he added, "Are you outside? You should come in; I know you get cold easily. Take care of yourself out there."

"Alright, you go back to your family's New Year's Eve dinner."

"Once you're back in J City, dinner's on me."

"Mm, goodbye."

Sylvia hung up and returned to the living room.

Someone had called Old Mr. Jarvis, who retreated to the study next door for a chat with an old friend. Estelle and Jonathan had gone out to watch the fireworks, leaving only Gabriel.

The TV was playing a duet by the hottest male and female pop stars.

Sylvia resumed her spot, reaching for a slice of orange.

Gabriel was still peeling oranges. "Was the phone call sweet enough, or do you need an orange for that too?" he teased without looking up. Taken aback, Sylvia glanced at him.

His profile was sharp and distinct, his expression unchanged, making it hard to detect any particular emotion in his question.

The corners of Sylvia's eyes twinkled, a hint of mischief growing in her gaze. She picked up a slice and offered it to Gabriel, grinning, "Is this orange sweet or sour? You tell me!"

Gabriel's dark eyes met hers, "Didn't you just taste one?"

"The last one was sweet, but this one seems a bit sour," Sylvia replied, her eyes gleaming.

"If it's sour, better not to eat it," Gabriel retorted.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Sylvia persisted, "Too much sweet can be overwhelming. A little sour adds flavor."

Ignoring her, Gabriel popped a slice of orange into his mouth.

Sylvia's smile spilled over her face. She quickly leaned in and pressed her lips against his, stealing the orange slice in a swift, flirtatious

move. ve

With her lips still close to his, she whispered seductively, "Tastes sweet, your orange is the sweetest of all!"

Gabriel's heart skipped a beat, captivated by the enchanting woman before him.

Aware that anyone could return at

any moment, Sylvia quickly sat back, nonchalantly eating the stolen orange slice and watching the show. Her poise and grace left Gabriel yearning to see her true self.

That temptress!

Unable to focus on the oranges or the show, Gabriel unbuttoned his shirt slightly and opened a window.

The cool breeze helped calm his heated senses.

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After watching the fireworks for a while, Estelle received a message from Magdalen, inviting her to a chat that also included Emily.

As Estelle turned on the video, Magdalen's bright eyes filled the screen, "Ella, let me see if you've lost weight!"

Estelle rolled her eyes gracefully, "We've only been apart for two days!"

"It feels like an eternity!" Magdalen exclaimed.

Turning to Emily, Estelle said, "Help me snap her out of it!"

Emily laughed, "It's the holidays; let's indulge her."

Magdalen, peeking at Emily's background, asked, "Emily, where are you celebrating the New Year?"

"At Charlie's place!"