Chapter 626

Lorenzo heavily emphasized the word “reward,” his tone suggesting flirtation. Unfortunately, Ella, still bewildered, remained oblivious.

Ella asked, “You want a reward?”

She thought, I only asked Stefi for assistance. Stefi must have contacted Mr. Giovanni, and Mr. Giovanni told Lorenzo. Lorenzo is demanding a reward from me and trying to keep the money for himself?

“Is Mr. Giovanni aware of this?” Ella murmured softly.

She thought, This is not exactly commendable behavior; if it reaches Mr. Giovanni’s ears, Lorenzo will undoubtedly find himself in dire straits. And yet, he is daring enough to present such a demand!

Lorenzo scoffed lightly. “Are you threatening me?”

“No, I’m not,” Ella hastily shook her head, thinking, Threaten you? I’m not seeking my own demise. If you implicate me as an informant, even Stefi won’t be able to protect me!

Words eluded her, leading her to lower her head in despair. Lorenzo observed her demeanor and smirked.

Ella said, “I have no money.” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper. She truly was penniless. Upon fleeing Long Harbor, she had taken nothing with her, and upon finally arriving in Fiorenza, her bag had fallen during the escape. It had certainly been a grim period for her.

Upon hearing her words, the amusement on Lorenzo’s face momentarily froze. Then, with a suggestive undertone, he remarked, “It seems you owe me quite a bit.”

Ella thought, Will I be able to repay such a debt in the future? Given the current situation, whether my mother can survive remains uncertain. If things go awry, upon my return to Long Harbor, I might find myself squarely in debt.

‘Lorenzo’s reputation was tarnished by me, and yet I sought his help. This, in any light, could be deemed utterly shameless.

Lorenzo said, “It doesn’t necessarily have to be repaid in money.”

Ella lifted her gaze. “Then what should I use to repay you? I truly have nothing.”

Lorenzo rested his chin on his hand. Their eyes locked, and Ella felt the mischievous glimmer in his gaze, although she could not quite decipher its true meaning.

Lorenzo narrowed his eyes slightly. “Consider what you possess that could serve as a reward; when you uncover it, you’ll be allowed to see your mother.”

“Can I meet my mother first?” Her mind was solely preoccupied with thoughts of her mother.

Lorenzo regarded her with a smile. “No.”

Ella fell silent.

As Stephanie began to drift into slumber, she was roused by an unexpected phone call from Chris. Chris said, “Stefi, I’m in Fiorenza; can we meet?”

Upon realizing it was Chris, she was momentarily astounded. She had thought that upon returning to Fiorenza, their paths would no longer cross. “You’re in Fiorenza?”

Chris replied, “I just landed an hour ago, I wish to see you.” In that moment, his words, even strained through the distance, were imbued with warmth. Such affections were ones Stephanie had never encountered during her time in Long Harbor. However, they made her feel uncomfortable instead of touched.