Stephanie could tell they were almost home, and she had a feeling there might be a big scene waiting for her. Even though everything had been fine in Florenza while she was in Long Harbor, she was still nervous about facing Lotie.

Sebastian noticed how tense she was and chuckled lightly. “What’s wrong? Nervous?”

Stephanie quickly turned her head and buffed. “N–Not at all.”

The car soon reached the top of the hill, and the first thing Stephanie saw was the wide, open horse stable. Not far away, a grand castle stood tall, almost touching the sky. Just looking at it was awe-inspiring. That was the Giovanni residence. The Giovanni family’s power in Fiorenza was as imposing as the castle itself—totally in control.

As the car approached, the gate slowly opened after a security scan. A line of security guards in black uniforms stood at attention, showing just how hard it was for most people to get past this gate. The car drove for another five minutes or so before finally stopping at the castle’s entrance.

Henry, along with a line of maids, was already waiting to greet them. The car stopped, and Henry opened the door with a respectful bow. “Mr. Giovanni, Ms. Giovanni,” he said politely.

Sebastian got out of the car first and then extended his hand to her. Stephanie looked at his large hand and then slowly placed her smaller one onto it. With a gentle tug, Sebastian helped her out of the car.

Henry, usually calm, couldn’t hold back tears when he saw Stephanie. “Ms. Giovanni, you’re finally back. It hasn’t felt the same without you these past few years.”

Stephanie smiled softly and greeted him. “Henry.”

Henry, who was in his fifties, smiled back at her, his eyes a little red. “Come on in. Mrs. Lucano is already back.”

Stephanie nodded. Sebastian adjusted her jacket. Stephanie shook her head. “I’m not cold.” The weather in Fiorenza was much warmer than Long Harbor. Long Harbor was freezing.

Sebastian led her inside, and as they walked, the staff greeted them along the way. Most of them were happy to see Stephanie back. When she lived here before, she was always kind to the staff, so they all liked her a lot. There were a few who didn’t care for her, seeing her as just an adopted daughter, but with how Sebastian and the entire Giovanni family treated her, no one dared to say anything. Even if someone tried to make trouble for her, like getting paid off by some rich girl from outside, Sebastian or Lottie always made sure they were shown the door.

After passing through the gate, Stephanie walked for a few more minutes before finally reaching the villa where Lottie spent most of her time. As soon as she stepped inside, the delicious smell of food filled the air, making her stomach growl.

Lottie’s voice came from the other room. “I don’t know if Stefi still likes this stuff. I heard Sebastian say her tastes have changed after all these years in Long Harbor.”

“As long as it’s made by you, Ms. Giovanni will love it. No matter how her tastes have changed outside, home-cooked food is always the best,” Heather, Lottie’s maid, assured her.