Chapter 528

After a while, Stephanie realized she wasn’t going to be able to take Ella with her. Lorenzo was being stubborn, and Bernard’s attitude was starting to get on her nerves. Frustrated, Stephanie plopped onto the couch in the living room.

Ella sat next to her, gripping her arm tightly and looking visibly shaken. Right now, her biggest fear was that Stephanie might leave.

Bernard crossed his arms and said seriously, “Ms. Turner, holding onto Stephanie isn’t going to change anything. They’re still going to investigate you.”

Seeing how they were treating Ella made Stephanie’s blood boil. “Macro’s already gone to Moalee Desert. You know that, right?”

Bernard thought, What’s she trying to say by bringing that up?

“Stephanie, what do you mean by that?” he asked, looking confused.

Stephanie straightened up and shot back, “What I mean is, if you say another word, I’ll tell Sebastian to send you there with him.”

There was no way Bernard would go to that godforsaken Moalee Desert.

Ella, still trembling, saw how easily Stephanie had shut Bernard down. Stephanie had real power here, and it made Ella feel a little better. She sniffled, gripping Stephanie’s arm more tightly. “Stefi, you can’t leave me.”

If Stephanie left now, Ella knew she wouldn’t survive. This place was too terrifying. One wrong move from her, and these people could ruin her. In their territory, no one would listen to her, no matter what she said.

Stephanie nodded, her voice firm as she said, “Don’t worry. I’m not leaving you.”

Bernard didn’t give up. “Stephanie, Lorenzo told me I have to take you back myself. Why don’t you just get in the car?”

Stephanie shook her head. “I’m not going.”

Bernard clenched his teeth. “So, what exactly are you doing here? You can’t just sit around. We’re not letting you take Ms. Turner.”

Ella squeezed Stephanie’s arm even more tightly. If she couldn’t leave, then neither could Stephanie.

Seeing Ella’s panicked look, Bernard was starting to get agitated. “Ms. Turner, please let go of Stephanie.”

“I’m not letting go. Stefi, you’re not leaving.” Ella’s voice cracked with fear.

“Alright, I’m not going,” Stephanie replied.

Bernard’s frustration was obvious. “Lorenzo said I have to take you back.”

He thought, And once you leave, you’re not allowed to come back here! They hadn’t expected this—Stephanie showing up like this. If they’d known, they would’ve stopped her at the door. Now, the whole situation was awkward. Ella was scared. Stephanie wasn’t leaving, and Lorenzo had ordered Bernard to make sure she did. It was a mess.

“I’m not going,” Stephanie said, her voice firmer now, knowing Ella was scared. There was no way she was leaving.

Bernard sighed heavily. “Fine. Just wait for Mr. Giovanni to come and pick you up.”

Stephanie wasn’t backing down, and they couldn’t afford to be too hard on her. She was Sebastian’s favorite, and anyone who tried to mess with her wouldn’t last long.

Bernard headed upstairs to report to Lorenzo.

Downstairs, it was just Stephanie and Ella. Ella’s eyes filled with tears. “Stefi, please don’t leave me.”

Stephanie nodded gently. “I won’t leave you.”

Ella sniffled and hugged Stephanie, her tears and snot soaking into Stephanie’s sleeve. “I love you so much. You’re all I have left.”

Stephanie didn’t mind. She grabbed a tissue and handed it to Ella. “Alright, no more crying.”

Ella took the tissue and wiped her face. “I swear I didn’t mean to. Those two medicines look exactly the same.”

Stephanie nodded. “I believe you.”