Chapter 590

They arrived at the Lucano family castle. Sebastian had been comforting Stephanie all the way. After much persuasion, she finally agreed not to accompany him. The car stopped. Elliot respectfully opened the door for Stephanie. “Ms. Giovanni,”

Stephanie looked eagerly at Sebastian. She still wanted to go with him to find Sofia; she thought Michael was a little mean to her. Sebastian affectionately pinched her cheek. “Go on, be good.”

“Okay, I’m leaving now,” Stephanie replied.

“Alright, go on.” Sebastian nodded.

Stephanie reluctantly got out of the car. Henry, the Lucano family butler, knew about their visit and had been waiting at the entrance. Seeing Stephanie get out, he respectfully approached. “Ms. Giovanni, welcome.”

Stephanie nodded. Henry glanced at the car as it drove away. “Isn’t Mr. Giovanni coming in? Beth instructed us to prepare a lot of food, including all your favorites.”

Stephanie said, “Something is happening over at Sofia’s. Let’s go in first.”

Henry nodded at the suggestion and politely gestured for Stephanie to go ahead. Stephanie stepped inside, followed respectfully by a group of servants.

Inside the car, Elliot said to Sebastian, “Ms. Giovanni seems scared of Michael.”

Thinking of her frightened eyes earlier, Sebastian couldn’t help but smile. “Don’t worry.” He thought she needed some discipline, especially considering she had been away from home these past few years.

Michael was strict. Even if Sebastian was present, Stephanie wouldn’t escape a scolding.

Elliot was speechless. Although Michael appeared stern, he liked Stephanie. But if Stephanie couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation for disappearing for three years, she was sure to get reprimanded.

Stephanie entered and, from a distance, heard Beth advising Michael, “Lottie just called and said Stefi is pregnant, so don’t be too hard on her.”

Stephanie thought, ‘Mom had called ahead, but it didn’t seem to help much.’

Michael kept a stern look on his face. “Hmph, if we don’t give her a lesson, who knows what kind of mess she’ll make,” he said harshly.

Stephanie could see a slight resemblance to Sebastian. She had always thought Sebastian inherited his looks from Michael since he looked similar to him. Michael often instructed and greatly affected Sebastian—not just in appearance but also in his innate charisma.

Beth said, “Don’t be like this—”

Before Beth could finish, Michael interrupted angrily, “Three years. She left for a full three years and didn’t contact us. What else wouldn’t she dare to do? We underestimated her before. She used to be so well-behaved.” Speaking of Stephanie’s departure always made Michael angry. No matter the reason for leaving, being gone for such a long time was unforgivable.

Stephanie stood at the entrance, too scared to go in. She glanced at Henry pleadingly.

Henry smiled gently and whispered, “Michael has been quite upset over the years.” Henry thought Stephanie was cherished at home but ran away. So Michael was upset. Even rebellious children should have some limits.

Stephanie pouted, remaining silent.

Beth said, “Yes, that’s one way to put it, but educating a child also has the right time. She’s not young anymore, and besides, she’s pregnant.”

“Well, didn’t you say before that kids should have their minds? She’s grown up now, so having her opinion is good.”

Michael replied, “You call that having her mind? I think she’s still in her rebellious phase.”

Beth initially wanted to say something nice about Stephanie, but her words only made Michael angrier.