Chapter 447

It was true that her clothes were a bit disheveled, but the fact that Lorenzo—a man—was telling her to shower and change felt wrong, especially after everything that had just happened. Now, Ella was even more on guard around him.

Lorenzo gave her an ice-cold glance. “We’re heading somewhere else soon. Hurry up.”

Ella stared at him in surprise. “W-We’re going out again?”

Lorenzo nodded, then turned and walked out of the room. Hearing his answer, Ella’s nerves tightened again. As Lorenzo reached the doorway, she suddenly panicked. “Can I not go?” she blurted out.

Right now, she didn’t want to go anywhere—especially not with Lorenzo. Every time she went out with him, she found herself in terrifying situations. She was truly scared.

Lorenzo glanced back at her but said nothing. Then he walked straight out the door.

Ella screamed inside her head. She really didn’t want to go anywhere with Lorenzo.

After he left, the room fell silent. Only Ella remained. Her hands trembled as she picked up her phone. She noticed the call she had made to Stephanie earlier had already been disconnected. She quickly dialed Stephanie’s number again. It didn’t take long before Stephanie picked up. “Ella?”

“Stefi,” Ella said, her voice shaky. “If you don’t come back to Fiorenza soon, I’m afraid I won’t be alive to see you again.”

She had barely survived earlier, and now Lorenzo wanted to take her somewhere else. When he told her to hurry up, Ella had a feeling things were about to get even worse—maybe more terrifying than what had just happened. She wasn’t sure she could handle it.

Stephanie was silent for a moment before letting out a chuckle. “Don’t be ridiculous. Lorenzo will protect you.”

Ella didn’t believe her. Not even a little.

Stephanie continued, “I’ve already sent my men to look for your mother and Emily.”

“When are you coming back?” Ella asked, growing anxious.

She definitely wanted Andrea and Emily found, but more than anything, she didn’t want to stay by Lorenzo’s side any longer. He was far too frightening.

“If all goes well,” Stephanie replied, “tomorrow.”

Ella pressed on, “And if it doesn’t?”

Stephanie paused for a beat. “Can’t say for sure.”

Last time, they were supposed to return to Fiorenza directly from Keris Isle. But something happened with Sebastian, and they ended up in Long Harbor instead.

“You’re telling me something could go wrong…just coming home?” Ella’s voice was tinged with hopelessness.

She had no idea what was happening out there—all she knew was that she was in danger. If she didn’t want to stay with Lorenzo, her only hope was waiting for Stephanie to return.

Stephanie tried to comfort her. “Ella, I know you’re falling apart right now…but you need to face reality.”

“What reality?” Ella didn’t want to hear it…

Stephanie sighed. “Your mother may have crossed the wrong people. You’re not safe anymore.”

It was harsh, and Ella probably wouldn’t be able to accept it in just a few days, but Stephanie had to tell her the truth. She hadn’t heard back from her men yet. And after years spent around the Giovanni family, Stephanie had seen enough of life’s twists and turns to know that Ella’s safe, peaceful life was over.

Stephanie went on, “You’re terrified of Lorenzo, and you think following him is dangerous. But you need to understand—right now, there’s danger wherever you go.”

Hearing that made Ella’s heart sink even further. Stephanie was right. No matter where she went now, she’d be at risk. Back when Andrea had hurriedly sent her abroad, Ella hadn’t even had time to pack her things. But no one could have predicted that even in Fiorenza, she wouldn’t be safe.

On the road from Long Harbor to Fiorenza, Ella had come to realize one thing: Andrea had provoked someone far more dangerous than she’d imagined. Thinking about it now made Ella’s emotions spiral out of control. “Stefi…” she sobbed uncontrollably.

Stephanie was silent.

“Please…come back soon,” Ella choked out through her tears. At this point, she didn’t want to hear any truths—she just wanted Stephanie to come back. Soon.

“I will,” Stephanie promised. “I’ll get back as soon as I can. Please…stop crying.”

Stephanie kept trying to calm her down, assuring her that she’d already sent people to find Andrea. Slowly, Ella’s emotions settled. She began to accept, little by little, how much her world had changed.

After they hung up, Ella bit her lip and clutched her phone tightly. Just then, Bernard came upstairs and said, “Mrs. Moretti, Mr. Moretti wants you downstairs. It’s time to go.”

The title Mrs. Moretti made Ella shudder involuntarily.