Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

But Victoria was already pulling away, her smile bright and innocent as Julian caught up to us. Come on! They’re waiting.”

The hostess led us through the restaurant to a private dining room in the back. All dark wood and leather chairs and a chandelier that probably cost more

than my annual salary.

And there, at the head of the table, sat Evelyn Sterling. Her emerald earrings caught the right as she turned toward us.

“Ah, there’s my son. She stood, embracing Julian warmly. Then her eyes found mine. “And Elena.”

The pause before my name was deliberate. Calculated.

“Come sit, dear,” she continued, gesturing to the chair directly across from her. “I’ve been wanting to have a proper conversation with you. Just us girls.”

The way she said “girls” made my skin crawl.

Julian’s hand tightened on my back-a warning, maybe, or reassurance.

“Actually, Mother,” he started, “maybe we should all—”

“Julian.” Evelyn’s voice was steel wrapped in silk. “Your father wants to discuss the Milan office with you. Why don’t you two gentlemen head to the bar for a moment? Let us ladies have our chat.”

Dylan stood immediately, already moving toward the door. “Come on, son. This won’t take long.

Julian hesitated. I felt it in the way his fingers pressed into my back.

“Go,” I said quietly, not looking at him. “I’ll be fine.”

Liar.

He squeezed my shoulder once-brief, almost apologetic-then followed his father out.

The door closed behind them with a soft click that sounded like a death sentence.

3

And then it was just the three of us. Me, Evelyn, and Victoria.

“Sit, Elena.” Evelyn gestured to the chair across from her again.

I sat. Kept my spine straight. My hands folded in my lap. Everything Mom had taught me about posture and presentation.

Don’t let them see you

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