Chapter 525
“I don’t want to go. That idiot is around him,” Ella said, thinking of Bernard. She could tell he was rough, not too bright, and kind of intimidating. Ella was especially worried about what someone with low intelligence might do if they got upset. She had no idea what would happen if someone like that lost their temper.
“Is there anyone else?” Stephanie asked.
“Yeah, someone just went upstairs. Didn’t you see?” Ella replied. Although she’d only glanced for a second, Ella was definitely scared of the people around Lorenzo.
When Stephanie heard that there were others in Lorenzo’s room, she didn’t push Ella any further. She nodded. “Alright, I’ll go talk to Lorenzo. You get ready. We’re leaving as soon as I get back.”
“I don’t have anything to pack,” Ella said. She had been brought here by Emily without even having the chance to grab her stuff. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. Her mom was still missing. She’d been sent to Fiorenza by her mom for safety, but when she arrived, she realized there were people lurking around her. What was worse, Emily disappeared.
Stephanie nodded, picking up on Ella’s frustration. “Okay, stay here and wait for me.”
“Mm.” Ella nodded, looking both obedient and cute. She only had Stefi now. And Stefi was the only one who could make her wait.
Upstairs, Lorenzo was still glued to his phone, not even glancing up as he listened to Bernard’s report. Bernard’s mouth was getting dry, but there was no response. He cleared his throat a few times. “Lorenzo?”
Lorenzo still didn’t respond. Bernard, who was curious about what could be so interesting on the phone, quietly tiptoed over to take a quick look. ‘Looks like… a security feed? What’s so fascinating about that?’ he thought.
Before Bernard could think much more about it, there was a knock on the door. From outside, Stephanie’s soft, low voice came through. “Lorenzo, are you free?”
‘Her voice is so sweet. No wonder Mr. Giovanni treats her like she’s fragile. She sounds so delicate, like a princess. If she were out, some men would probably take her away,’ Bernard thought.
Since Lorenzo still hadn’t responded, Bernard tried again. “Dude? Lorenzo?” He called a couple more times. Finally, Lorenzo looked up from his phone and shot Bernard an annoyed glance. Bernard flinched under his sharp gaze. “It’s… It’s Ms. Stephanie Giovanni.”
Everyone in Fiorenza knew the Giovanni family had two young ladies, Sofia and Stephanie. Both were highly respected because of their family’s influence.
Lorenzo glanced toward the door. “Let her in,” he said, instinctively adjusting his robe. It was a silent rule among the men around Sebastian—always look decent in front of Stephanie.
Just as he finished adjusting his robe, Bernard opened the door. He had seen Stephanie talking to Ella earlier, so he hadn’t bothered to greet her. This time, he stood tall and respectfully announced, “Ms. Stephanie Giovanni.”
When she heard that, Stephanie paused. Since going to Long Harbor, no one had ever addressed her so formally. Hearing Bernard say it made everything feel more real—she was back in Fiorenza.
Stephanie nodded politely and looked at Lorenzo. His face looked a bit pale. It was clear the mix-up with the medicine from last night had taken its toll. It wasn’t without consequences.
“Lorenzo,” she said to him politely.
Lorenzo nodded slightly and then asked, “Mr. Giovanni didn’t come with you?”
Stephanie replied, “He’s busy. I’m here to pick up Ella.” She was always respectful to Lorenzo, especially to those close to Sebastian. She knew exactly who had a special place in Sebastian’s heart. Since Ella had spent some time with Lorenzo, Stephanie felt she needed to ask him before taking Ella away.
Once she finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room suddenly turned cold. Stephanie instinctively glanced at Lorenzo and asked, “So, can I take Ella with me now?”