Chapter 516
Lorenzo glanced at Ella, but he didn’t say anything. His silence only made Ella more confused. She had no idea what he meant by that. Her heart started racing. She instinctively swallowed and tried to pull away from him. But Lorenzo tightened his grip around her, holding her in place. His voice was calm as he said, “Be a little bolder from now on, got it?”
Ella was shocked, thinking, ‘Be bolder? How? In front of him? Doesn’t he have the power to crush me with a single move?’ She was scared. She didn’t dare do anything wrong. “P–Please let me go,” Ella stammered, barely able to get the words out.
Even now, she was terrified. She couldn’t believe he was telling her to be bolder. Lorenzo finally released her. Ella, now free, immediately scrambled to put some distance between them.
“I swear I didn’t mean to give you the wrong medicine. I really didn’t,” Ella mumbled, her voice growing quieter as she spoke. It was clear from Bernard’s words earlier that she’d scared herself more than she realized. She didn’t want anyone to think that she had bad intentions. Ella could tell that everyone around Lorenzo was dangerous. She definitely didn’t want them to think that she was up to something shady.
Even though Bernard looked like a goofy guy with a silly grin, she knew better. She had overheard a conversation between him and Lorenzo, and the only reason Lorenzo kept him around was because of his skill with a gun. Ella wasn’t about to buy into the idea that Bernard was just some careless playboy. She didn’t trust that for a second.
When Lorenzo remained silent, Ella started to panic. “I really didn’t mean to do anything wrong. You have to believe me.”
Lorenzo finally spoke up again. “Stefi’s intelligence isn’t that high. It’s not surprising she made a mistake, especially since Mr. Giovanni spoiled her and never taught her how to judge people properly.”
Ella blinked, totally confused. “What do you mean?” she asked. ‘Why did he suddenly bring up Stefi when we’re talking about him taking the wrong medicine?’ Ella thought. Clearly, Ella couldn’t really understand what Lorenzo meant by his words.
Lorenzo gave her a deep look, his eyes unreadable. Ella couldn’t figure out what was going on in his mind. The way he was looking at her made Ella’s heart race even more. ‘What’s up with that look? Does he really believe Bernard’s crazy theory?’ she thought.
“I–I swear it wasn’t me,” Ella said, clearly panicked. She felt stiff all over. ‘No way… Does he actually believe him? If he does…,’ Ella thought, breathing quickly. She instinctively glanced at the bulge near Lorenzo’s waist. She knew exactly what it was. If he took that thing out, she might not make it out of here alive.
Sweat started to form on her forehead as panic set in. “Please, you have to believe me! It wasn’t me! I swear!”
“Whether it was you or not, we’re going to figure this out,” Lorenzo said calmly. ‘Wait. Does he really believe him? No…,’ Ella thought. Ella was stunned, not knowing what to say to Lorenzo.
Then Lorenzo said firmly, “Until we get to the bottom of this, you’re not leaving my side, not even for a second.” Those words made Ella feel trapped. She tried to say something, but hearing Lorenzo’s words left her speechless, her face frozen.
‘Not leaving his side for a second? But Stefi is on her way! She’s supposed to pick me up tomorrow morning! She’s already on the plane, and now Lorenzo says I can’t leave him for even a second?’ Ella thought, completely overwhelmed.
“Lorenzo, I get why you’re mad at me. I understand why you’re suspicious, but please trust me. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Why would I do that? You have to believe me,” she said.