Chapter 141 Bringing Adalia Home
Fiorello found himself bound by societal obligations, unable to drive his Chevrolet as he wished. He was forced to return the car, a necessary measure to avoid arousing the suspicions of Maggie.
"Understood, Mr. Flores," came the response from William.
Once the instructions were given, Fiorello led Adalia towards building number six within their neighborhood.
Maggie had previously mentioned that Adalia lived in apartment 802 of that particular building.
Upon seeing the familiar path leading to her home, Adalia hesitated, her steps slowing considerably.
Upon reaching Apartment 802, Fiorello knocked on the door. After a brief moment, the door swung open.
The person who answered was Susan. Her face flushed a deep shade of red at the sight of the handsome man standing on her doorstep.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" she asked, failing to notice Adalia who was shyly hiding behind Fiorello.
Maintaining a neutral expression, Fiorello replied, "I am also a resident of this neighborhood. This morning, I found a child on the roadside. Please, take a look."
Stepping out from behind Fiorello, Adalia came into view. Dressed in a new outfit, she looked like a little princess, a stark contrast to her usual unkempt appearance.
However, Susan's expression quickly soured. "Why did you run out again? Get inside, now!"
Adalia trembled, an instinctive fear of Susan coursing through her.
She released her grip on Fiorello and obediently entered the house, knowing that any resistance would result in punishment.
Fiorello, who had been observing the entire exchange, then asked, "May I come in and sit down? I bought some clothes for Adalia."
Faced with such a request from a man of Fiorello's charm, an ordinary person would find it hard to refuse.
"Please, come in," Susan responded, her smile returning.
The house was in disarray, with hardly any space to navigate. Fiorello's brow furrowed as he stepped inside.
"Adalia, it's late. Go to your room and sleep," Susan ordered.
Adalia complied, retreating to her room. As she closed the door behind her, she cast a longing glance back at Fiorello.
Once Adalia was out of sight, Susan turned to Fiorello, her smile still in place. "She's quite the handful, always running around all day."
Susan found herself in a constant state of busyness, her days consumed by the needs of her younger brother. "I have no time for anything else," she admitted, her voice heavy with exhaustion.
Fiorello's gaze swept over the sparse furnishings of the house before landing back on Susan. "Is Adalia your biological daughter?" he asked, his tone direct and unyielding.
His question, so blunt and unexpected, left Susan momentarily stunned. Fiorello's expression was cold, his demeanor intimidating. She had never encountered someone with such a commanding presence and found herself at a loss for words.
After a moment, Susan's thoughts drifted to her husband, Alan, and his stern warnings. She was certain that Adalia had been spreading rumors about her, painting her as an abusive mother.
"Yes, of course, what do you mean?" Susan replied nervously. "My daughter is most definitely mine. Who's been spreading such rumors?"
Fiorello's icy gaze remained fixed on her as he continued, "What about the injuries on Adalia? I heard she hasn't started kindergarten yet. As a guardian, it's your basic obligation to ensure she receives an education."
"Are you from Child Protective Services?" Susan retorted, her mind flashing back to similar accusations from the community. "She's a mischievous child. She bears marks from my discipline and from her own falls. And as for school, we can't afford it. We'll send her when we have the means."
Fiorello produced a medical report from his pocket. "I took Adalia to the hospital. This is the injury report," he said, his tone threatening. "Based on this, I could easily accuse you of child abuse. In serious cases, you could face jail time."
The threat of imprisonment sent Susan into a frenzy. "Jail? For disciplining my own child? What kind of twisted logic is that? This is my family's business, not yours. Call the police if you wish." With that, she forcefully pushed Fiorello out of the house and slammed the door shut behind him.
Once she was certain he was gone, Susan's anger turned towards Adalia. "You've been spreading rumors about me, trying to get me jailed, you wretch. I'll kill you," she seethed, grabbing a mop and striking the terrified child.
Adalia's cries echoed through the building, but the residents had grown accustomed to the sound. Initially, some had tried to intervene, but Susan had driven them away. Now, no one dared to interfere.
"I feed you, I give you drink, and still, you want to harm me," Susan spat, her strikes landing with vicious force. Adalia, covered in fresh wounds, writhed on the floor, pleading for mercy.
Suddenly, the door was kicked open. Fiorello strode in, his icy gaze fixed on Susan. He grabbed her hand, flinging her aside. "Hit her again and see what happens," he warned, his voice cold and threatening.
Fiorello lifted the tearful Adalia from the floor, his heart aching at the sight of her injuries. "Don't be afraid, I'm here," he reassured her, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Susan, finally snapping back to reality, shouted, "If you're so intent on protecting this wretch, then take her! Raise her yourself! Her life or death is no longer my concern!"
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