Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2009

From Jonathan's vantage point, he could see the delightful blush of her delicate earlobe, which was utterly charming.

Sylvia merely pressed her lips together in a smile, not pressing further with questions.

The group rode the elevator up together, approaching the bar's entrance. As they pushed open the door, everyone except Lambert paused in slight astonishment.

Lambert had transformed the bar into a banquet hall.

The space, which spanned thousands of square feet, was now styled like a tropical rainforest, filled with an array of verdant foliage. Utilizing the existing bar lighting, vibrant colors danced from behind the towering plants, casting whimsical shadows on the ceiling. The effect was fresh, dreamy, yet still vibrant, delivering a substantial visual impact.

What had once been a chaotic, noisy den of extravagance had become bright and serene.

The bar was crowded with people dressed in elegant evening attire, their makeup understated and graceful. They thronged towards Estelle, extending their gifts with heartfelt blessings,

"Happy Birthday!"

"Rella, all the best on your special day!"

"Wishing you health and peace!"

Evelyn had also prepared a gift for Estelle, standing by her side, "I had no idea today was your birthday until Mr. Brennan mentioned it this morning. I didn't have time to shop, so I made some pastries myself. I hope you like them."

Surrounded by well-wishers, Estelle accepted Evelyn's box of pastries, her eyes clear and grateful, "Thank you!"

Jonathan watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Lambert looking at Estelle with a mix of servility and self-congratulation. It was clear—she was so wonderful that men always wanted to please her, to win her favor by any means necessary.

This filled him with pride but also a sense of pressure.

Within minutes, Estelle's arms were overflowing with gifts, and she appeared somewhat overwhelmed by how to respond to everyone's enthusiasm.

She turned to Lambert with a frown, "You didn't have to do all this."

"It's simple, as long as you're happy," Lambert said with a smile.

As everyone sang "Happy Birthday," Estelle set down the gifts and prepared to blow out the candles on the cake.

"You haven't made a wish!" Lambert reminded her.

Sylvia chimed in with a smile, "Make a wish, dear!"

Estelle looked up at the sea of eager, yet unfamiliar faces surrounding her, thinking that since they had given her their blessings, she in turn wished them the same—that one day they would all safely leave this place.

More than anything, she hoped to complete her mission successfully and return to J City.

After blowing out the candles, she took the cake knife to slice the cake.

The first piece she cut, she handed to Jonathan with a soft smile, "Thank you, Mr. Alvis, for celebrating with me."

Jonathan's response was equally measured, "The pleasure is all mine."