"Elizabeth is not at home," her father stated, his voice flat, icy, and dripping with contempt. "You may leave now."
Lorenzo swallowed hard, forcing himself to bow his head respectfully. "Sir... if I may ask, do you know when she will return? I just need to speak with her for a few minutes. I assure you, sir, I have no ill intentions toward your daughter. I just... I brought something for her."
The older man stopped a few feet away from Lorenzo, his expression twisting into a sneer. Several servants and family relatives stood in the adjoining hallway, watching the exchange with muted, cruel amusement.
