Chapter 12

Stefano I turned off the lights and locked the door in my office. It was 8pm and everyone already left. As I walked towards the elevator, I saw my father who just got out of there. He stopped when he saw me. "Hello, son." He smiled and walked towards me. He patted my shoulder. "Good work today." "Welcome back, Dad. I thought you’re going straight home." We walked towards the elevator and pressed the ground floor. "I called you a few times but you were not answering your phone so I called Carson instead. He said you were here. I wanted to have dinner with you." "Good evening, Mr. Ranallo. Did you have a good flight?" As soon as we reached the parking lot, Avery greeted my Dad with a bow. "Hello, Avery. Good to see you." My dad smiled at her. She just looked at me blankly. We got inside the car. "Please bring us to a Japanese restaurant, Avery." My dad ordered. "Yes sirree." Avery answered. My parents are fond of Avery the moment they knew she’s a sweet girl. She helps quite a lot in the house whenever she can. That’s why she can talk freely with them but I don’t tolerate being friendly with my employees. I always show clear lines between them. Though my parents might have an exception for her, I don’t. It’s hard enough that she doesn’t show respect to me... and the fact that she might claw my eyes out from so much hatred. "I heard Ashton is getting married with Greene’s only daughter." He put his chopsticks down and wiped his mouth with table napkin. "Yes. Ashton seems to despise the idea of arranged marriage." He laughed. "Of course, that young boy always hate being controlled but I doubt his father would succumb to his stubborn and defiant nature. The two would always clash. Like father, like son." He laughed while shaking his head. He then stared at me. "Speaking of marriage." I frowned. "You seem to imply on something, Dad. Is this why we are suddenly meeting privately?" I asked. He smiled. "You’re too smart for your own good, Stefano." "Ashton said the same thing this afternoon." I put my chopsticks down and crossed my arms ready to pay attention. "Your friends are already married, Stefano. Ashton, the most playboy of your friends, is settling down- though it’s forced but still..." "You want me to do the same?" "You’re turning 29 soon. Your mother and I married when I was 22. I’m glad that your different from your friends. We wanted you to find love your own way. But..." He sighed. "Well... I think you’re taking it too damn slow. I never seen you with a woman, let alone have a date with them a couple of times." He breathes out. "Aren’t you worried you’re going to be alone? You seemed to be uninterested with the female species." He suddenly widened his eyes as if to realize something. "Oh, god. You’re not on the other side, are you?" I frowned even more. "What are you blabbering about?" I sighed heavily. "You literally sound like mom right now. An extreme worrywart." I shook my head many times. "I’m not. Good grief. Will you calm down?" "Oh... I’m sorry." He said with regret and guilt. "You’re just saying these things because Ashton is finally going to settle down, regardless if it’s arranged or not. My priority is the company for now. I’m sure you understand that, Dad." He sighed heavily. "I’m worried about you, Stefano." "You have nothing to worry about." Maybe just the fact that someone is trying to kill me. I’ll make sure Henderson regrets crossing paths with me.