Chapter 530

After hanging up on Sebastian, Stephanie gently comforted Ella, who was still holding onto her. “It’s alright. Nothing’s going to happen,” she said.

“Stefi, thank you,” Ella said, her voice shaky. A lot had happened recently, but thankfully, Stephanie had been there for her, offering emotional support. Even though Stephanie had been in Long Harbor, the hope she gave her kept Ella going.

Stephanie looked at her kindly. “Stop saying silly things.”

“I need your help with something,” Ella said.

“Looking for Andrea?” Stephanie didn’t need Ella to finish the thought. She already knew what she meant.

Ella nodded. “Yeah, I need to find out where my mom is… and Emily…”

Emily had been taken by those people. Ella was really worried, especially since Emily was just a girl. She feared something bad might happen to her in their hands.

Stephanie nodded. “We’ve already sent people to look for them. Just no word yet.”

Back in Long Harbor, Stephanie had sent people out to find Ella’s mother, but days had passed with no news. They didn’t know who Andrea had gotten involved with this time, but those people were dangerous. If needed, they might have to use Sebastian’s connections.

Ella was even more touched by this.

Before she could say anything, Bernard came downstairs and looked at Ella. “Ms. Turner, Lorenzo wants you upstairs.”

Ella instinctively hid behind Stephanie when she saw Bernard. After hearing his message, she grabbed onto Stephanie’s arm more tightly.

“I’m not going up there,” Ella said, sounding firm.

Stephanie could hear the fear in Ella’s voice. It was clear she was terrified of Lorenzo.

Bernard repeated, “Ms. Turner.”

“I’m not going. I don’t know how to cook or heal. I told you to send someone to take care of him,” Ella said, her voice rising. “You made me take care of him, and now if something happens, you’ll blame me for trying to kill him? What kind of logic is that?” she added.

The more she spoke, the more upset she became. It felt like they were cornering her and not even giving her a choice.

Stephanie turned to Bernard. “What does Lorenzo want with Ella? You better explain yourself clearly. Don’t try to scare her.”

Ella was scared, but Stephanie wasn’t afraid of these people.

Hearing Stephanie’s comment, Bernard looked annoyed. “I was in a bad mood last night and spoke too harshly. Don’t take it out on Lorenzo.”

Stephanie didn’t say anything.

But Ella furrowed her brows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Bernard sighed. “It means Lorenzo’s always been good to you. Don’t let last night’s incident get to you.”

‘What? Good to me? Does he even hear himself? Has he forgotten how Lorenzo treated me?’ Ella thought.

At that, both Stephanie and Ella were at a loss for words. Lorenzo’s never been good to me. And he scared me last night, too. He said some really harsh things, Ella thought. All she wanted was to leave with Stefi.

“I’m not going upstairs,” Ella said firmly. The stubbornness in her voice was something she wouldn’t have shown before, but now that Stephanie was there, she finally stood up for herself.

Bernard stared at her, knowing her stubbornness was fragile—like paper, ready to tear with the slightest push.

“Fine, it’s your choice. But you know, Lorenzo might lose interest in telling you about your mom if he waits much longer,” Bernard said.

Ella’s heart skipped a beat. She thought, ‘My mom? Wait.’

“I’m going now,” she said, realizing she couldn’t waste any more time. She needed news about her mom.

Stephanie thought, ‘Just like that, her determined manner is gone?’

Ella didn’t have time to care anymore. No one knew how much she’d been struggling these past few days, constantly worrying about Andrea and Emily.

‘But would Lorenzo really help me find her? Oh well, I’ll ask him anyway,’ Ella thought.

Just as she reached the bottom of the stairs, Sebastian came through the door.

Seeing him arrive so quickly, Stephanie froze for a moment, and Bernard’s expression went stiff.

Realizing what was happening, Bernard quickly said, “Mr. Giovanni.”

Sebastian looked around and asked, “Where’s Lorenzo?”

“In his room. He’s still a bit weak, lying down,” Bernard replied.

Hearing the word “weak,” Ella felt guiltier, and she instinctively turned her face away.

Sebastian shot a quick glance at Stephanie.

Stephanie stood up from the couch, muttering, “Well, if Ella’s not leaving, then I’m not leaving.”

She was sticking to her guns. It was simple—either they both left together, or they’d stay here and wait it out.

Ella looked at Stephanie with tear-filled eyes. “Stefi…”