15. Poison

Alex looked confused when Leonardo asked him to stop the car, but he did so anyway. Whatever order Leonardo gave, he did not dare to oppose.

Caterina turned to look at Leonardo, waiting to see what he would do. She was on guard, preparing herself to put up a fight if Leonardo was about to do something to her.

“You can come down if you think you're not safe with me.” Leonardo gave her a choice. He didn't want to force Caterina to come with him if it made her feel depressed and uneasy.

Caterina was silent; she was speechless. This was too sudden. She looked around; the road they passed was filled with lush forests on the left and right. Vehicles also rarely passed by. Only their group car filled the road. If she got off there, she would have to walk for who knows how long. She also couldn't be sure that she would survive if Leonardo dropped her off here.

Leonardo stared with an unknown look. The more Caterina looked at that look, the less she understood what exactly Leonardo wanted from her.

“I count to three; you must make your choice.” Leonardo said firmly.

“At least drop me off on a populated street. Dropping me off here is the same as you killing me.” Caterina made an excuse.

Leonardo sighed harshly; he was a little relieved to hear the answer Caterina gave. This time Leonardo could relax a little; he rested his back against the back of the car seat.

“Let's get back on the road.” Leonardo gave the order. The car drove back at high speed. Behind the car was a line of other cars following them.

Caterina couldn't understand what exactly Leonardo was up to. Leonardo had never been this good before. Did he really come to save her? Was he really starting to love Caterina like Marco said? The questions filled Caterina's heart and mind. She had no clue at all.

The atmosphere in the car was quiet again.

Caterina's stomach began to rumble. The sound coming from her stomach broke the silence between them. She touched her stomach, realizing that she hadn't eaten since last night. Marco was not as good as she had imagined. Of course, he wouldn't be the head of the mafia if he had a good heart.

“Stop when we find the restaurant.” Leonardo gave the order after he heard the rumbling sound coming from Caterina's stomach.

Caterina was quite surprised. She started to feel giddy, thinking that Leonardo was paying attention to her. Her cheeks reddened; she blushed. Leonardo had never paid her any attention. When he suddenly changed, she felt a little happy.

“I will treat you as a reward for our victory tonight. You are free to order any food and drinks, but don't get too drunk because we still have a long way to go.” Leonardo continued.

Caterina was quite disappointed when she heard that sentence. She thought Leonardo asked him to stop at the restaurant because he cared about her, but she was wrong.

'It's just me who's overconfident.’ Caterina muttered to herself. She couldn't hide her disappointment when she realized that she had too high expectations.

The car stopped when they came across a fancy restaurant. The restaurant's parking lot filled up as soon as they parked there. The restaurant, which had been quite quiet, was now suddenly very crowded.

“Have fun tonight!” Leonardo said to his men.

There were cheers from them. Because they rarely can have fun like this. They are always busy with work.

Caterina reluctantly got out of the car after everyone had left for the fancy restaurant. She rubbed her stomach while her eyes were fixed on the entrance of the restaurant. In the doorway was the dashing figure of Leonardo, who stood and stared at her deeply. The man seemed to be watching her.

“Damn, what exactly does he want?” Caterina said in annoyance.

Leonardo looked at the clock on his wrist; it was almost late at night. He was sure Caterina didn't have money to buy food. If she chose to run away, she would eat by stealing or picking up leftovers.

“This restaurant serves your favorite lasagna.” Leonardo said, then went inside and disappeared behind the door. He acted as if he was inviting Caterina to join them. However, he was too proud to show his concern.

Caterina frowned. “Did he just talk to me?”

The woman looked around, but she found no one else. She was the only one left there.

“Since when did he know my favorite food?” Caterina monologued to herself. She was really dizzy at the moment because Leonardo was acting so strange.

“Kate! You're not forbidden to join us! You can escape after you've eaten and are full. Mr. Bianchi doesn't want you to starve to death.” Alex returned to the parking lot just to say that sentence. Afterward, he went back inside the restaurant.

“Is this a trap?” Caterina was still quite suspicious. However, she was willing to take the risk. She got out of the car and stepped into the luxurious building.

The restaurant was filled with Leonardo's men.

“Over there, Kate!” Alex pointed to a table where there were only two chairs. One seat was occupied by Leonardo, and the other was for her.

Caterina looked around; unfortunately, there were no empty seats other than the one Alex pointed to. The woman resignedly stepped towards it; she sat down with mixed feelings right on the chair opposite the table. For the first time she sat face to face with Leonardo.

A plate of lasagna tacos was immediately placed in front of Caterina.

“For me?” Caterina asked in confusion. She had just sat down; she hadn't even ordered food yet. However, the food she wanted was immediately served.

Leonardo poured a glass of wine for Caterina. Caterina, who received such treatment, became confused to death. Why? Why would Leonardo behave like this?

“You didn't put poison in it, did you?” Caterina asked carefully.

Leonardo smiled sarcastically. “I'd never kill someone with a dirty trick like that.”

Caterina still didn't believe him. She scooped up her food, then thrust it towards Leonardo.

Leonardo stared with a furrowed brow.

“Eat this if you didn't put poison in it.” Caterina said firmly.