Chapter 632
Stephanie was frustrated. “So, what does Lorenzo really want?” she asked, clearly annoyed by his demand for something she couldn’t give.
Sebastian replied, “He only wants what Ella can offer.”
“What?” Stephanie was taken aback.
Sebastian said, “You don’t need to worry about it anymore. It’s best for Ella to stay with Lorenzo right now!”
Stephanie’s head spun. She thought, ‘What kind of reward does Lorenzo want? It wasn’t about money—he seemed to want something only Ella could offer. This made Stephanie even more puzzled.’
Maybe Stephanie was a bit out of sorts because of her pregnancy. Once so sharp, now she felt completely lost after everything Sebastian had shared.
“I get that Ella can only stay with Lorenzo right now, but what exactly does he want as a reward?” Stephanie couldn’t hide her curiosity. Ella’s situation was risky, especially with the unresolved issues involving Andrea and Dark Portal.
Wherever Ella went, she was in danger. Even if those problems were solved, it wouldn’t be easy for her to have a stable life. After all, Andrea had been away from Dark Portal for years, only to get caught up in it again—there must be something serious happening.
Seeing Stephanie’s ongoing focus on Lorenzo’s desired reward, Sebastian sighed and gently pinched the tip of her nose. “Let Ella figure it out herself.”
Stephanie frowned. It was precisely because Ella was confused that she needed to ask him, but Sebastian had nothing more to say. She shot him a resentful look.
Sebastian said, “Only Ella can provide it; it’s not about money. What do you think Lorenzo wants?”
“Ella?”
Sebastian gave a silent nod.
Stephanie’s lips twitched. “He wants her? This can’t happen. Lorenzo lives a dangerous life. If Ella gets involved with him, she would be horrified.”
Sebastian said, “Ella’s future will be like his.”
Stephanie was shocked. “As far as I remember, when Ella suggested marriage to him, he didn’t agree. There must be something else.”
Sebastian asked, “Ella proposed to marry Lorenzo?”
“Yes,” Stephanie nodded. Ella had caused a chaotic series of events. Stephanie’s mind felt foggy, and she asked, “By the way, do you know anything about Dark Portal?”
Sebastian’s words had suggested that the situation with Dark Portal was worse than expected. Just then, his phone rang. He checked the caller ID and quickly ended the call. “We should go.”
Stephanie thought, ‘Is it possible that Lorenzo really wants Ella? If he truly desires Ella, why doesn’t he just agree when she proposes marriage? Why make it so complicated?’
Stephanie had some doubts about his interest in Ella. Compared to the stunning women Lorenzo had seen, Ella seemed quite ordinary.
With a mix of confusion and curiosity, Stephanie got into the car with Sebastian. He noticed her puffy coat and said, “I see you’re taking care of yourself.”
He had expected her to dress to impress for formal events, but here she was in a casual coat—something she never would have worn before.
“I have to prioritize my health,” Stephanie replied.
Sebastian chuckled.
Taking a moment, Stephanie messaged Ella secretly: [What Lorenzo desires is you.] Stephanie found it hard to accept what Sebastian had said.
Meanwhile, Ella read Stephanie’s text and was completely shocked. She thought, “This can’t be happening. Isn’t this supposed to be about compensation? What does Stefi mean by this?”
She immediately called Stephanie for clarification, but her call went straight to voicemail as Stephanie was on her way to an event with Sebastian. After hearing the busy tone, Ella read the message again. She replied: [What do you mean? Why is it suddenly about me?]
Stephanie replied: [According to Sebastian, Lorenzo is after you; you are the reward he seeks.]
Ella was left speechless: [I refuse to believe it.]
Stephanie: [I don’t believe it either, but that’s what he said.] How believable that statement was remained uncertain, but it was certainly what Sebastian claimed.
Ella: [Why do you doubt it?] Hearing Stephanie’s disbelief, Ella felt a twinge of inadequacy.
Stephanie was next to Sebastian, who seemed busy with a document. Seeing Ella’s message, she fell deep into thought.
The truth could be quite painful. She couldn’t tell Ella that the stunning women around Lorenzo were all more captivating than Ella was. Ella had caused so much chaos, yet they still hadn’t been together.
Given the lack of interaction, the only clear conclusion was that Lorenzo might not have any romantic feelings for Ella at all. Stephanie texted: [Intuition.]
Stephanie, noticing Ella’s silence, cautiously sent another message: [Maybe you should just ask Lorenzo directly what he wants.] This guessing game was becoming tiring. Ella lacked the time and energy for such speculation.
If Sebastian’s assumption was right, perhaps asking Lorenzo directly would give her a clear answer.
After reading Stephanie’s text, Ella felt overwhelming dread and replied: [How am I supposed to ask?]
If she approached it indirectly, it would just lead to more confusion; but if she asked directly, she needed to be straightforward.
Ella thought, ‘Speaking of being straightforward, didn’t I already propose? He didn’t say yes. But now he wants me as a reward? His motives are so complicated and unclear.’
Stephanie texted: [Just ask him directly.]
Seeing those words, Ella’s frustration peaked. At that moment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Stephanie was not very helpful after all.
Stephanie had never been reliable. Back at Long Harbor, her instinct had always been to respond with force instead of strategy.
Ella thought, ‘How could I expect such a chaotic spirit to give good advice?’
Stephanie followed up with another message: [Do you think there’s a better solution?]
Ella replied: [None.] In her head, she was torn between rushing to see her mother and figuring out Lorenzo’s intentions. It all felt hopeless.
Stephanie: [Then just ask.]