Chapter 41

Elara’s POV

“What the hell is going on here?” My father’s voice echoes through the room, strong and commanding. His eyes, blazing with anger, lock onto us as he stands in the doorway with Uncle Damien.

I stare at the ground, unable to meet their gazes, my mind racing. How do I explain why I was making out with my boss to my dad and uncle?

I open my mouth to speak, but he cuts me off.

“Not you.” His gaze shifts to Lorenzo. “I’m talking to this man.”

Lorenzo takes a deep breath and steps forward, his expression calm. “Mr. Rossi, I believe you’ve seen enough to understand the situation. So there’s no need to dance around it. I care deeply about your daughter, and I would like your permission to date her.”

My eyes widen at his words. Date? Does he actually want to pursue something real with me? Lorenzo’s declaration leaves me stunned. Did he mean what he had said when he kissed me back home?

My father laughs, a loud, mocking sound. “You’ve got some nerve, Lorenzo. I won’t allow you