Jonathan's irritation with Lambert soared to an extreme, his voice icy as he commanded, "Go and blow up that shrine. I want not a single tile left intact!"
"Mr. Alvis!"
Sylvia hurried over, "I fully understand how you’re feeling right now, but please, try to stay calm. This isn't the time to stir up trouble. If you blow up the Brennan family's shrine, it’s likely that both Lambert and Raiden will be alerted immediately. If they investigate, they might find clues that could hurt Estelle."
Sylvia's voice was calm and measured, "Stella's 'gone' already, and Estelle will never bring up that name again. Lambert won't find out. But if you go through with the blast, it might only raise his suspicions."
Jonathan's face was as dark as a storm cloud, "Am I just supposed to endure this? "
"For now, I'm afraid you'll have to bear this indignity," Sylvia replied.
Jonathan snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray and nodded, seething, "Lambert, alright, I'll remember that name!"
He pinched the cigarette butt, his thoughts drifting before he looked up at Boyce, "Who's staying in that building?"
Boyce responded promptly, "Researchers working in the tower."
Jonathan squinted slightly and nodded.
Estelle returned to her villa; Lambert hadn't come back yet as expected, he probably wouldn't return until dawn.
After a shower, she had barely settled into bed when Jonathan's video call came through.
This time, Estelle answered freely, not bothering to adjust her backdrop.
But as the video started, Estelle nearly had a nosebleed.
Jonathan was in the bath, leaning against the tub, his enticing upper body on full display—and particularly, the parts she fancied—all laid bare.
His wet hair dangled before his forehead; his allure was cold and striking. His lips parted slightly, "Did you miss me?"
Estelle held her breath, her voice husky, "We just saw each other."
"Come over!" Jonathan's deep voice held a velvety enticement.
"No, you never listen to me, so why should I listen to you?" Jonathan whined a bit petulantly, endearingly childish.
Estelle thought to herself that he must be truly exhausted to talk like this.
Jonathan was indeed exhausted, but he couldn't bear to end the call to sleep. He had searched for her so long, hoping to seize her, take her home without restraint. But even after finding her, they were still separated by a screen, and this was unsatisfying to him.
But he had to endure it for her sake. Because she had her concerns, there was no choice for him; after all, she was his Achilles' heel.
If she perished, he could not bear to live alone.
When he came for her, he had even prepared for the worst and left his will in the study before venturing forth to find her!
It was not impulse; he had already calmed down.
Wherever she was, so would he be. It was that simple.
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