Chapter 290 Mr. Vittorio Gets Jealous
Despite her reluctance, Anna encountered them at the family luncheon. Servants were busy laying out the meal, with a spread of exquisite dishes that filled the table, reminiscent of a royal feast.
Anna was seated in the first place to the right, the most important seat aside from the head of the table. Behind her, two servants stood with utmost respect, ready to attend to her every need. It was all so formal, almost excessively so.
As for Davide and Carla, perhaps mindful of it being her first day, they didn't start any trouble. They just offered overdone smiles and insincere expressions.
Anna ignored them, simply hoping the meal would be over quickly. "Mr. And Mrs. Vittorio have returned," announced a servant's voice at that moment.
In the next second, the revered and cool Giorgio walked in with the composed and graceful Katherine. Their stunning presence drew everyone's eyes, making the luxurious decorations seem like mere backdrops.
Anna glanced at them once, then quickly lowered her head. Having been intimate with Giorgio and considering his words to her that morning, facing him now was unbearably awkward.
Carla lifted his smile, "Giorgio, come sit down. It's been too long since you've been home. Katherine, you must be working hard, right? Look, we have snow fungus soup today, your favorite."
Davide added, "You both should come home more often. Don't think of it as just a visit. This is your home." His tone was warm and heartfelt, a stark contrast to how they treated Anna.
Anna overheard, her expression unchanging. A family's affection was something she never expected in this lifetime.
Katherine, indulged and doted upon, was beaming. She had been worried that Anna might win their parents' favor, but now it was clear she remained the most cherished. Hiding her smugness, she said gently, "Dad, Mom, my sister has just returned. You should pay more attention to her. I'm quite settled, no need for so much fuss."
Carla held her hand, "We can't do that. You are all our children, and we treat you all equally."
He instructed the servants, "Take good care of Miss Anna, understood? Don't let her feel left out."
"Yes, ma'am," the servants replied, busying themselves with serving soup to Anna and adding dishes to her plate. Their treatment of Anna was nothing but respectful and polite.
Anna wasn't a fool; she could see the deliberate alienation. Unfortunately for them, she neither desired nor expected their pity.
She had no interest in watching their pretense, nor did she want to confront Giorgio.
She finished the simple meal in her bowl and stood up, "I'm full. You guys take your time."
Carla thought she was discontent, and with a false concern tinged with sarcasm, he prodded, "Hey, you barely ate anything. Is our home cooking not to your taste?"
In truth, the meal had been prepared to suit the palate of Crownhaven locals, not one dish made with Anna in mind.
Anna looked at him coolly and said indifferently, "Indeed, it is not to my taste. Prepare barbecue for me tonight."
With that, she strode away.
Carla was speechless. She was just being polite earlier! Now, this girl dared to dictate to them?
"So rude! No respect for her elders!"
"We should hire an etiquette tutor to teach her some manners."
Katherine watched her parents fume, a hint of smugness fleeting through her beautiful eyes.
With Anna's temperament, winning over the family was unlikely, let alone living peacefully with them.
She couldn't usurp her position.
With that thought, Katherine felt much better, consoling softly, "Dad, Mom, it's natural for my sister to be upset if she's not used to the food. We should be more understanding and not get mad at her."
"Hmph, what's there to be upset about? I think she just wants to make things difficult for us. You're the good one, always considerate and a comfort to us."
"Enough about her. Giorgio rarely comes over. Let's not let her spoil the mood." Davide interrupted, turning to Giorgio with a smile, "Giorgio, I've had your favorite red wine brought in especially. Why don't you give it a taste?"
Throughout the dinner, Giorgio sat with his dignified manner, his face cold, his demeanor aloof, exuding a distant chill that suggested 'keep away.'
His lips curled into a frosty smile, "I'm not fond of it either. I'm going to pick up Charlie."
Dropping that bombshell, he stood up and followed the direction in which Anna had departed.
Davide and Carla were stiff-faced, "What's gotten into Giorgio today?"
"And why would Charlie be frolicking with Anna? He wouldn't even come dine."
Katherine sat tight, her fingers clutching the chopsticks white-knuckled.
She had been surprised when her parents' call had been met with Giorgio's ready acceptance, assuming he wouldn't agree. She had merely called him on a hopeful whim, only to find him willing.
She had assumed that his coolness was due to Anna and Giuseppe's video call, that he had decided to distance himself from Anna and get along with her instead.
Clearly, that wasn't the case now!
Feeling unsettled, she managed to say, "Giorgio might just have an upset stomach. It's fine. Parents, please continue eating. I will go check on him."
...
In the backyard.
"Anna, how did you get up here so fast?"
"Mommy, is there much yummy food outside?" Sara and Penny asked curiously while Charlie sat beside Penny, fixing up her Barbie doll.
Anna felt a pleasant aroma filled the air when she saw them and smiled, saying, "Staying with them was kind of awkward, and there wasn't much good to eat outside, so I came here."
This was the place she had carefully chosen to live in. It featured a full-glass design for optimal lighting and scenic views, a koi pond, a little bridge over running water, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery.
The 40-square-meter room had its own bathroom and a small kitchen. Originally intended for garden viewing, Anna had chosen this spot because she didn't want to live in an apartment building running into Davide and Carla all day. After moving into a bed and furniture, the room opened right onto the garden; it was incredibly beautiful!
"Let's have barbecue in the yard tonight!" she suggested.
"That sounds awesome!" the little girl exclaimed with joy, dancing around.
Charlie was quite interested as well.
Unexpectedly, Anna's phone began to ring. She took it out, saw an unfamiliar number, frowned slightly, and answered, "Hello?"
"Miss Stefanelli, it's me," a warm and steady voice spoke, quite pleasant to the ear.
In Anna's mind, the face of a certain rakish individual came to mind, and she asked curiously, "Giuseppe?"
"Yes, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Could you spare a few minutes?"
Perfect timing! She'd been wanting to talk to him too.
"Sure, just give me a minute," Anna replied, then quickly instructed Sara and Penny before darting off to a quiet spot to continue the call.
She moved so quickly that she failed to notice the distinguished man who had already approached.
Picking up Giuseppe's call and running to a secluded place? What was so confidential that others couldn't hear that?
Giorgio watched her petite figure with a sudden frostiness taking over his dark, profound eyes.
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