Chapter 15
Elara stood frozen on the sidewalk, staring up at the towering skyscraper that loomed over her like a beast waiting to devour its prey. Its gleaming glass reflected the city. Her heart pounded in her chest. Every ounce of confidence she had built up before coming here? Gone.
Fear curled around her like a snake, but then, her Elion face flashed in her mind. Its been weeks since she was trapped in the Romano’s mansion. The thought of how her little brother was killing her.
You’re doing this for him, she reminded herself. Closing her eyes briefly, she calmed herself down.
Three Hours Ago •
Elara walked out of her room to check on Dante She also had very important matter to discusses with him. She had spent too long hesitating, too long trapped in this golden cage while her brother’s life dangled on the edge of danger. No more.
Her steps were firm as she made her way to Dante’s room, only to find it empty. She frowned. Where the hell was he?
She turned on her heel, making her way downstairs, her eyes scanning for Miss Milly. She spotted the older woman near the grand staircase, her sharp voice cutting through the air like a blade.
“Didn’t I tell you to give the young master his medicine when he woke up?” Miss Milly’s raised her voice. She looked furious as she glared at a trembling maid. “Now he’s gone without it, and he won’t be back tonight.”
Elara’s frown deepened. Gone?
As if sensing her presence, Miss Milly turned, her features softening when she saw Elara. The sharpness in her voice melted into warmth.
Young Madam Elara,” she greeted with a small smile.
Elara grimaced at the title. “Please, just Elara, Miss Milly. How many times do I have to tell you?”
Miss Milly chuckled lightly. “It’s a habit, dear.”
Elara waved it off impatiently, getting to the real question burning in her mind. “Where is Dante? Why won’t he be back tonight?”
Miss Milly sighed, lifting her phone to show a message. “Young master texted. He’s headed to the office. Won’t be returning home.”
Elara exhaled sharply, frustration curling in her chest. “Wasn’t he injured? How the hell is he walking around like nothing happened?”
Miss Milly shook her head, a knowing look in her eyes. “He’s always been like that. We can’t stop him.” Then, after a pause, she added, “But if it’s important, why not go to his office? You could take his medicine while you’re there.”
Elara hesitated.
Present-
With her head held high, she pushed through the revolving doors and stepped into the luxurious lobby.
The place screamed money, polished marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and cold, businesslike perfection. At the front desk sat two stunning women, their designer outfits fitting perfectly over lean figures.
Elara walked up to them. “Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Dante Romano.”
The brunette behind the desk blinked, her sharp gaze turning icy as she scanned Elara from head to toe, Her expression shifted into something almost hostile when she noticed Elara’s plain clothes.
“You need an appointment,” the woman said with a smirk. “Who are you to be asking for him?”
Elara swallowed, ignoring the sting in her chest. “I don’t have an appointment, but he knows me,” she said honestly.
The blonde at the desk let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, he knows you, huh?” she mocked. “Do you know how many women waltz in here saying that? It’s pathetic, really. You think just because you’re a bit pretty, you’ll get to see our boss?”
Elara’s jaw clenched. She tried to stay calm. “You misunderstand. I’m not—”
“Save it,” the brunette snapped, cutting her off. “We’re not interested in your sob story. No appointment, no meeting. Now leave.”
Elara’s blood boiled. Her fists clenched by her sides as frustration surged through her. She’d come too far to be dismissed by these rude receptionists.
Taking a step closer, she locked eyes with the brunette. “Listen,” she said through gritted teeth, “I’m not here to argue with you. Just call him tell Elara Ashford is here.”
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Chapter 15
“oh really?” she sneered. “Who do you think you are, Elara or whatever your name is? The boss doesn’t have time for desperate little sluts like you” She leaned back in her chair, tilting her head “So why don’t you do yourself a favor and walk out of here before I have security drag you out?”
Elara inhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay calm “Tell me, is this the kind of trash the Romano family hires? Because from where I’m standing, your customer service skills are severely lacking”
The entire lobby went quiet as heads turned to watch the brewing showdown.
“Is she serious?” the blonde whispered, glancing nervously around.
Seeing that Elara refused to leave, the two women at the front desk began mock her.
“How thick–skinned…”
“So what if she’s a little pretty? A woman like her wouldn’t catch our Boss eye.” Elara glared at them before taking her seat in waiting area. She didn’t know it was this hard to meet him. But what else she can expect. He was the Heir of Romano empire after all. It was her mistake too. She Should have asked for miss milly to inform him before hand or at least take his number. She sign seating in silence, her patience stretching thin as the minutes dragged into an hour… then another hour.
Then, finally a familier face walked in. Luca
J
Her gaze snapped to him instantly. He wasn’t alone. He was talking to someone beside him.
Elara shot to her feet, her pulse quickening. Luca was focused on his conversation.
“Mr. Luca!” she called out, her voice clear and unwavering.
Luca frowned, his eyes flicking up in irritation. Who the hell dared to address him by name so casually?
He was the Underboss. People here called him Sir.
But when his gaze landed on Elara, his expression shifted.
Shock. Then something unreadable.
Before he could respond, the two noisy, overconfident receptionists hurried over, their heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
“Sir Luca,” the brunette purred, shooting Elara a disdainful glance. “This poor, desperate woman came looking for the young master. We already told her that without an appointment, she wouldn’t be seen. But she just won’t take the hint“,
The blonde chimed in, her voice syrupy–sweet but laced with venom. “She’s been sitting here for two hours, refusing to leave. Honestly, we’re concerned she’s making the building look bad. Should we have security throw her out?”
She sneered as she looked at Elara, but her eyes betrayed something else–jealousy.
Despite her simple clothes, Elara was undeniably beautiful. And that infuriated them.
Luca said nothing at first, his sharp gaze shifting between Elara’s fierce, unwavering eyes and the two pathetic bimbos before him.
He froze.
What the hell was she doing here?
Seeing his expression harden, the two women assumed he was angry at Elara. Their confidence swelled.
“I’ve never seen someone so shameless,” one of them scoffed, flipping her hair.
Luca let them dig their own graves a second longer before stepping forward.
His tone was polite, but the weight of his words sent a chill through the atr
“Young Madam Elara, what are you doing here?”
Silence.
The color drained from both women’s faces.
Young… Madam?
No. No way
Their heads snapped toward Elara, their lips parting in horror. Had they just insulted someone important?
Elara hesitated, afraid Luca would dismiss her too. But to her surprise, he turned toward the man beside him instead.
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Chapter 15
“Young Madam, this is Capo–Dante’s personal assistant. He will take you to him.”
The assistant’s eyes widened before he quickly bowed his head in respect. “This way, Miss.”
As he led Elara away, Luca’s expression shifted into cold, ruthless.
He turned to the two pale–faced women, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
“If you submit your resignations and walk out quietly, you might live to see tomorrow.”
Terror flashed in their eyes. “S–Sir, please-”
But Luca had already signaled a guard.
The sound of their frantic begging echoed through the lobby as they were dragged away.
AD
