Chapter 148 148

Chapter 148 148
EVA

Once I was done opening all the gifts, Mira reached into her bag and pulled out another gift, this one was slightly larger than the others, wrapped in plain brown paper. "This one isn't to open until your birthday. So don't even think about it. Chloe will report back to me."

Give me one second, she'll open the box before I even do the minute Mira leaves.

Chloe will report back?

"You could've just given it to her and told her to give it to me on my birthday. You can't just give me something and tell me not to open it. You don't think I get curious too?"

"You'll survive."

I sighed and set the box aside, already planning how to sneak a peek when they weren't looking.

I grabbed the bag I'd brought and handed it to Mira. "For your trip. I wasn't sure what you'd need, so I got you a perfume set and a journal. I also didn't have time to wrap it."

“Oh yeah, sure, and nothing for me. I love that.” Chloe rambled on, stuffing her mouth with cake. Diabetes is probably looking at her through the window.

I leaned back and crossed her arms. "So, where are you going? And what's this blogger's event about?"

"It's a bloggers' conference. A bunch of influencers, some workshops, networking. I didn't really want to go, but I need the exposure since after well, you know what. I need to get back on track, my income is falling low."

"Exposure for what?" Chloe suddenly asked. 

Mira sighed. "I'm trying to pivot my blog. More gossip, but more lifestyle. If not both. I need to build connections if I want to make it work again."

She nodded but then got confused again. "Oh, I thought you just post gossip and the engagement just comes everyday. I mean it's gossip, who doesn't click on every article about a celebrity living a fake life. Even I read your stories every day.” 

“Please don't.”

My phone suddenly buzzed and I looked at the screen. It was an unknown number. I hesitated, then answered, shushing the girls.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Bishop?" The voice was familiar, though I still don't know who it was. "It's Vittorio DeLuca. I hope I'm not interrupting."

Oh. Oh!

I sat up straighter. "No, not at all. Good afternoon sir." I glanced at Chloe and Mira, who were watching me curiously. 

"I apologize for calling so suddenly and late, I just  saw you on the news, and that was when I remembered." He paused. "I was wondering if you'd be free to visit. I have the papers for the investment here and I thought you'd like to see them. I'll need an expert’s advice before I go through with it, don't you think?”

Uh…um…wasn't expecting that.
I genuinely thought he said all he said at the dinner for the sake of the second meeting. He didn't think I was some pro advisor now, did he?

I can't even save money to save my life, how am I supposed to know how and why he should invest in a company that can probably buy me.

I thought he was just being polite at dinner.

"Of course, sir." I said. "I can be there soon."

"Excellent. I'll have someone waiting for you."

The line went dead.

I stared at my phone for a moment, then stood up. "I have to go."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Who was that? You sounded like someone was threatening you."

"Vittorio DeLuca. Dante's father."

Mira's jaw dropped. "Why is Dante's father calling you?" She glanced at Chloe, as though they were both thinking the same thing 

"He wants to show me his investments or something like that."

They exchanged a look again. "Okay, that's super weird."

Chloe squinted her eyes in suspicion. “Am I the only one worried about the age gap?”

“Ew.” I grabbed my bag. "I'll explain later."

I quickly rushed as and without a word, Nico opened the door for me and zoomed off. 

—

We soon arrived at the estate. The last time I was here was for Marianne's welcome back party thrown by her by the way.  I thought welcome back parties were usually thrown by family and friends. The front gates swung open as the car approached, and a maid was already waiting at the door when I arrived.

"Ms. Bishop. Mr. DeLuca is expecting you. Please, follow me."

She led me through the halls and up the flights of stairs until we stopped at a heavy oak door. She knocked once before pushing it open.

Vittorio was standing by the window, his back to us when we walked in.  

“Sir “ the maid called one before leaving.

He turned around right after, a wide smile lighting up his face the second he saw.

"Ms. Bishop. Thank you for coming."

I cleared my throat. "Thank you for inviting me."

I glanced around what seemed to be a study but had a truck full of vinyl records neatly arranged. 

I glanced at him, the question stuck in my throat. 

He gestured toward the room. “It's cleaning day today, so I brought a lot of them out. I've been obsessed with them recently. Classical, mostly."

He walked to a wall lined with shelves, hundreds of records stacked neatly, their spines facing out. I stepped closer, scanning the names.

These are records that are either off the market or no longer exist. Even twenty in one albums. Man, this is such a rich hobby. Most of the records are what you'll find at an auction, and people bid millions for. 

This is either some money laundering scheme or he's mad rich and knows he can do whatever he wants with it. 

"Most of them are from my mother's collection," he said. 

I ran my fingers along a row of records, stopping at one I recognized. "This is a first pressing."

Wow!

He smiled. "You know your records."

"My mother was a big fan. She used to play classical music all the time."

"Then you'll appreciate this." He gestured toward a record player in the corner. "Pick one. Let me weigh your taste."

I hesitated, then reached for a record I recognized. I set it on the player, lowering the needle carefully. Slowly the music began to play softly and filled the room.

I froze as the sound continued to play. The melody hit me like a memory. I pulled the needle off, the music stopping abruptly and took in a long shaky breath

"Is there anything?" Vittorio asked.

I shook my head quickly. "Sorry, mistake. I thought I remembered it, but I was wrong." I picked another familiar record. "This one. I know this one."

I sighed and set it carefully on the player. Taking in a deep breath