Chapter 234

Sebastian’s phone rang. It was Elliot. He got up, glancing at Stephanie, who had already fallen back asleep. The little drunk kitten couldn’t fight off sleep for long.

Answering the call, his voice was low and direct. “Speak.”

“Mr. Giovanni, just as you predicted—Lancelot is hiding in Long Harbor.”

“Did you find him?”

“No, but his man, Carl, was spotted today.”

In the dimly lit room, Sebastian’s usually icy gaze flickered with a dangerous glint. “Keep a close watch on him,” he said coldly.

“Yes!”

“And…” He paused for a moment, glancing at the bed where Stephanie was sound asleep. “Assign more men to protect her.”

Her—of course, referring to Stephanie.

Elliot pondered for a moment. “Should we tell Miss Giovanni to avoid the studio for now?”

“No need.”

“Understood.”

Elliot knew exactly what Sebastian meant—he didn’t want Stephanie to feel even the slightest hint of danger. He wanted her world to be peaceful, to be ordinary. He didn’t want her constantly on edge. That year, after witnessing Sebastian kill someone, Stephanie had nearly shut down completely. Since then, he had kept her away from the family’s business affairs as much as possible. At least until Valentina and Richard pulled their little stunt.

Hanging up, Sebastian stepped onto the balcony and lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag. His phone buzzed again. Glancing at the screen, he picked up. “Mother.”

“Do you know that Richard has connected with Finn Moran?”

“I do.”

“You know how he feels about Stefi. Keep her safe—she’s a timid child.”

Sebastian said, “Timid?”

Hearing that, he turned his head, looking through the glass door at Stephanie, still curled up in bed. The corners of his lips lifted slightly in indulgent amusement. That little troublemaker was anything but timid.

Still, he responded on the phone, “I understand.”

“I’ve received word that Richard is heading toward Long Harbor. Do you have enough men with you?”

“Yes.”

“Should we send Sofia to keep Stefi company?”

Three years ago, that bastard had found an opening. Stephanie had been forced to leave the Giovanni family. Lottie was still shaken by it to this day.

“No need.”

Compared to Richard, Sofia was just as much of a headache. She had a knack for making people disappear. If she took Stephanie away now, he didn’t even need to think to know what would happen to her. Back when Sofia had taken her away for training, no one could track them down. By the time Stephanie was finally found, she had nearly been skinned alive.

“You’re right, that girl is the worst.”

Speaking of her daughter, Mrs. Lucano sighed in frustration. A perfectly good girl, yet she insisted on acting like a boy. She even tanned herself so dark! Nothing like sweet little Stefi in her lovely dresses, looking so adorable. When she had given birth to Sofia, she had been so happy, thinking she’d dress her up beautifully. But what happened? The girl refused to wear dresses and only liked pants. She never even touched the clothes her mother picked out for her!

“Anyway, take care of Stefi. Once everything’s settled, bring her back. There’s no reason to stay in Long Harbor—And her biological parents? They’re nothing good. I know what goes on there.”

Now that she knew where Stephanie was, Mrs. Lucano had already sent people to investigate. She had dug up everything on the Hart family. And the trouble they were in right now? It wasn’t just Sebastian’s doing—Mrs. Lucano had played a hand in it as well.

“Got it.”

The two spoke for a while longer before ending the call. Sebastian stepped into the room and immediately noticed that Stefi had kicked off her blanket again, her little face flushed red. He walked over and placed a hand on her forehead—it felt slightly warm. Not at ease, he called for Macro.