Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Brad, Miranda, and several security guards were escorted away, and Zoey, who hadn't really been involved, decided to go to the police station too, saying she was willing to testify for Sophia and her friends.

Sophia thanked her on behalf of Crystal and Eileen.

Zoey appeared guilt-ridden. "Sorry, I should have protected you guys better."

Sophia smiled reassuringly, "Just not joining in on bullying us is more than enough for us to be thankful."

Zoey looked even more embarrassed, "We're all classmates. I never expected things to get out of hand like this. If I'd known, I wouldn't have encouraged everyone to come looking for you. I just thought it would be nice for all of us to catch up after so many years." Sophia, not overthinking it, replied, "No worries. Once this is behind us, dinner's on me."

"Deal!" Zoey smiled. "You're not leaving B City anytime soon, right?"

"Doesn't look like it for now!"

"Great!"

Jason stepped forward with a slight frown, placing an arm around Sophia's shoulders, and said to Zoey, "If anything comes up at the station, give me a call. I'm Sophia's boyfriend, so I'll handle whatever comes next."

Zoey, noticing his possessive stance, understood and felt a slight pang of disappointment but managed a polite smile, "Alright, I'll go with them then!"

After Zoey left, Sophia gave Jason a look, whispering, "You could just say we're friends. Why do you always have to mention you're my boyfriend?" Jason calmly replied, "Why would I be responsible if I wasn't your boyfriend?"

Sophia found herself momentarily speechless.

She turned to check on Crystal, "How are you feeling?"

Crystal, leaning against the wall, shook her head, "I'm fine!"

Jason suggested, "Let me drive you home."

"No need!" Eileen chimed in, "I'll take Crystal home. Jason, you just take care of Sophia. Thanks for everything today!"

They all knew Jason well, having been friends for a long time, and always called him by his first name.

Jason nodded, "I'll arrange a ride for you both."

Crystal, still a bit muddled, muttered, "When Miranda gets out, she'll see what's coming to her!"

"Let's just get you home first," Sophia advised Eileen, "Make sure she goes straight to bed." "Got it, will do!"

Eileen led Crystal away, promising, "I'll call you when we get home."

"Alright," Sophia responded.

Fitch turned to Jason, politely inviting, "Mr. Gilder, feel free to come by my place."

Jason gently declined, "No need, I came with friends. You go ahead."

"Alright then, won't bother you further. If you need anything, just let me know! Fitch, dressed in a smart black vest, appeared every bit the gentleman in his forties, and was exceptionally respectful in Jason's presence.

Jason gave a brief nod, then led Sophia towards his private room.

Sophia inquired, "So you know the owner here?"

"Yeah." Jason wasn't keen on elaborating, holding her hand, "Why didn't you call me when things went south?"

Sophia huffed, "I was about to call the cops, but Brad took my phone."

A sharp look crossed Jason's eyes, yet he remained silent.

He had

to come check on

eceiving no reply made him anxious et Sophia a message, but belongs to en.kikistori

he was just relieved he had

Inside Jason's private room, they found a group of men and women, a stark contrast to Sophia's class reunion. The room was lit with warm, yellow lighting, and everyone was dressed smartly, engaging in lively conversations, creating a cheerful atmosphere unlike the one Sophia had just left.