Chapter 298 Tonight, Get a Room
The wound on Giorgio's arm.
He was wearing a pristine white shirt stained with dust and water, sleeves rolled up, revealing the strong contours of his arms.
Above that, a garish blood smear stood out like a brilliant red flower.
He was hurt.
But what was it to her? Why did she notice his wound first?
Get a grip! He's so cold to you, and he's your brother-in-law too!
Anna looked away and shut off the news.
She didn't expect that later that night, Charlie would suddenly wake up from a nightmare while she was asleep, crying incessantly.
"Anna, I dreamed Daddy fell into a hole, got buried in the dust, and was buried alive. I need to find Daddy, I need to find Daddy," Charlie sobbed, his little frame shaking with each cry.
Even the smartest child becomes just a fragile three-year-old in such moments.
Anna's heart ached as she enveloped him in a warm embrace, soothing him with her words, "Sweetheart, it was just a dream, and dreams are often the opposite of reality. Your Daddy is going to be fine."
"No, Anna. I really want to see Daddy. Can you take me to see him, please?" Charlie pleaded between tears.
Anna felt helpless. How could she take him to see Giorgio at this late hour?
"How about we have a video call first and check on the situation? Is that okay?" she suggested.
As she spoke, Anna reached for her cellphone and dialed Giorgio's number, only to be greeted by a frustrating automated message, "Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later..."
Charlie's emotions crumbled at the failed attempt, "They say there's a telepathic bond; what if something really did happen to Daddy! Oh no, is Daddy dead?"
"No, Charlie. It's just that the communications are down on their end. Just stop, will you? I'll take you to see him, okay?" Anna soothed him as she got out of bed, her feet slipping into her slippers.
On the other bed, Sara woke up to the commotion and, seeing the situation, sat up quickly.
"You take him. I'll take care of Penny," Sara said.
"Alright."
Anna put on her shoes, cradled Charlie, and hurried to the garage.
The Stefanelli family had drivers available around the clock. Seeing Charlie in distress, the driver didn't utter a word, just started the car and made their way to the site.
Ten hours had passed since the accident occurred, with the hope of life dwindling by the minute, everyone was desperately awaiting good news.
No one could find the peace to sleep that night at the New Sea project site.
Anna and Charlie stepped out of the car but were immediately stopped by the security personnel, "Sorry, it's dangerous inside. No unauthorized persons are allowed," one of them said, blocking their path.
Standing on the outside, Anna felt frustrated and helpless.
Even if she removed her mask and revealed her identity, she would still be considered unauthorized. And Charlie, whose existence Giorgio kept out of the public eye, would certainly not be recognized by them.
What to do?
"Anna?" Just as she was pondering their next move, a rich voice called out.
Anna turned to see Giuseppe, his clothes still marked by the day's events, fatigue barely concealed behind his scholarly glasses.
She explained, "Mr. Vittorio, it's good that you're here. Charlie had a nightmare about something bad happening to Mr. Vittorio, and he insists on seeing him. Can you help bring Charlie inside or maybe get Mr. Vittorio out?"
It was clear to Giuseppe what needed to be done.
With a deep and thoughtful gaze, he responded, "Hand Charlie to me. I'll take him in. You wait here for a moment."
"Sure." Anna quickly passed Charlie into his arms.
Charlie desperately wanted to see his dad and waited obediently in Joe's arms without any resistance.
Soon, at the command center, Charlie saw George.
"Daddy!" The child's voice was exceptionally clear and loud.
The commanders turned their heads and saw an exquisitely adorable boy.
Whose cute kid is this?
And how did he end up here?
Under the curious gazes of everyone, George approached with a mix of surprise and tenderness in his voice, "Why aren't you asleep? What brings you here in the middle of the night?"
His demeanor was completely different from his usual commanding presence when making life-and-death decisions.
Everyone was shocked.
It was Mr. Vittorio's son!
No wonder he was so cute, with delicate features.
However, more pressing matters were at hand, so the crowd didn't indulge in gossip and
continued monitoring the rescue operation.
George carried Charlie to a quiet corner outside the temporary tent and found a place to sit down, "Why are your eyes red?"
Charlie looked up at him, his voice choked with emotion, "I dreamt you fell in a hole and were buried alive."
With that, a stream of tears fell with a 'plop.'
George was speechless.
His son, usually so strong, was crying like this over a dream and had made his way here in the middle of the night?
His heart softened, and he gently wiped the tears from the little boy's face, "Dreams are the opposite of reality. It means Daddy will be very healthy and well."
"Really? That's exactly what Anna told me, too."
Anna?
George glanced around but didn't see her. His gaze darkened, "Did you come here by yourself?"
"No, Anna is waiting outside for me. She's worried about you, too. Do you want to go see Anna?"
Charlie asked innocently.
Even though George had given up hope for a reconciliation, deep down, he was still thinking about bringing them together.
Of course, George didn't believe Anna was worried about him, but he did need to hand his son over to her. He stood up, his tall frame rising, "Then, no more crying? Go back and sleep. It's not safe for you here."
"I don't want to. I want to stay close to you tonight." Charlie's old issue was flaring up; whenever he mentioned wanting to stay with George, nobody could persuade him otherwise.
George struggled, "Be good. You've seen the news; Daddy has very important work tonight."
"You do your thing, and I'll just watch from the side."
Joe walked over at that moment, "George, children are always vulnerable, and Charlie relies on you often. Let him stay by your side. I'll go meet Anna and find a hotel nearby."
Hotel.
The word brushed past George's ears, and an unsolicited image of the two at a hotel flashed through his mind, his eyes narrowing, "No need. It's dangerous for Charlie to stay here. I'll take him. You go lead inside."
Without waiting for Giuseppe to object, he scooped up Charlie and strode purposefully toward the exit.
Giuseppe watched his tall, slender figure, a knowing smile curving at the corners of his mouth.
Was Giorgio concerned, or was he truly just worried about Charlie?
…
Anna had been standing outside for quite some time; the night air was a bit chilly, and she hugged her arms and rubbed them together, her hands cold.
"Daddy, I don't want to leave. I want you to stay with me," came Charlie's voice from behind.
Anna turned just in time to see the tall man stepping out into the bright light while holding the child.
Despite his messy clothes and a bit of dust on his face, his demeanor was undiminished, even exuding a mature charm.
She quickly averted her eyes, her gaze settling on little Charlie's face, "Charlie, be good. Your daddy has some very important things to do. Why don't you go back with Anna first, okay?"
"No, I'm scared. I'm afraid that that dream will come true if I leave," Charlie argued with determination.
Anna was speechless.
She understood that children needed most after a nightmare was family comfort. She remembered how Penny used to have to clutch her ear to fall asleep.
At this moment, she didn't know how to offer consolation.
Then, Giorgio spoke up, "I'll get a room next door. I'll wait until you're asleep before I go, all right?"
What?
Get a room next door?
Anna was utterly astonished…
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