Chapter 607
Ella kept her head down, too embarrassed to look at him. His teasing tone made her blush even more. “I really didn’t mean 10,” she whispered.
“It sounds unbelievable even to me,” she thought. She’d practically stripped Lorenzo of everything she could. From head to toe, nothing had been left untouched. Ella’s heart ached with regret. She felt like such a fool. Around him, her body seemed to be under some kind of spell.
Watching her small shoulders tremble, Lorenzo reached out with his long fingers and gently lifted her delicate chin. Ella instinctively tried to resist, but she was no match for his strength.
As her head was lifted, Lorenzo caught a clear glimpse of how flushed Ella’s face was. His lips curved into a grin he couldn’t suppress. “You’ve ruined my innocence, so why are you blushing?” It was hard to tell whether Lorenzo emphasized the word “innocence” on purpose, but his tone was undeniably heavy.
Ella’s already crimson face grew even hotter. Normally sharp-tongued, she found herself stammering under the man’s piercing gaze. “I–I–I really didn’t mean to…” She repeated the same phrase over and over.
He just smiled but remained silent. Yet that smile only made Ella more uneasy. “Oh my gosh. When would these people finally clear her name?” She wanted to go find Stefi. “So, how’s your investigation going?”
Lorenzo still didn’t say a word. He kept smiling, but the way he looked at Ella had become much more intense. That intensity in his gaze made Ella even more anxious. What did his silence mean? Was his innocence really more important than hers? She had noticed just how forcefully he had said “innocence” earlier. So, was he implying that she should take responsibility?
She sniffled and spoke again, her voice trembling, “So, does your losing your innocence mean I should take responsibility?”
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be taking responsibility?”
Ella was at a loss for words. But if it involved compensation… From as far back as she could remember, her mom had never let her run out of money. But even growing up in such wealth, the figures Lorenzo discussed with his business partners were still beyond her comprehension. “I definitely can’t afford any compensation,” Ella murmured softly.
He fell silent again, just quietly staring at her… What Ella feared most was this awkward silence, especially around Lorenzo. When he went quiet, she was completely at a loss. She tried to hold back, but couldn’t, and impulsively blurted out, “What if I marry you? Would that work?”
Sofia and Richard eventually headed to the courthouse. She really didn’t want to go, especially since the situation was already chaotic. Even if her brother and mom personally agreed to it, she still felt it was totally unreliable. Especially with Richard suggesting it—there was definitely some scheme. Don’t blame her for being skeptical. Even though he explained everything that happened three years ago, the psychological impact was far too big.
Throughout the journey, Sola was glaring at him, her anger palpable. “If it weren’t for Stefi, I’m telling you, I wouldn’t be helping you at all.” She emphasized “Stefi” and “help you” as much as possible. This jerk actually said that if she didn’t marry him, he’d definitely find a way to pursue Stephanie. How shameless could someone be? Seriously, he was so shameless. Also, the emphasis on “help you” was to remind Richard why they were getting married, so he wouldn’t turn around and act ungrateful later.
Richard smirked, wiping the fresh cut on his neck, and chuckled, “Don’t worry, once this is sorted out, we’ll split. A woman like you, anyone who wants to marry you can take you. You really think I’m eager to be with you for life?”
Sofia wanted to hit him again.