Estrella seemed to have found comfort in his palm and shifted into a more comfortable position.
Luciano could only stare at her in disbelief.
He watched her sleep. He had never taken such a close look at her before. There was no denying she had beautiful features.
Her skin was porcelain white, and her features were sharp. She looked beautiful… and innocent while sleeping.
Too innocent for a gold digger.
Her hair fell over her face, and he couldn't help but reach out and tuck it behind her ear.
He found himself lost—no, not watching—observing her.
Aunty Smith and the maids could only watch in shock.
Their master… showing such closeness to a woman?
Just then, Estrella stirred in her sleep, and it seemed to snap Luciano out of his thoughts.
He withdrew his hand immediately.
And the next second—
Bang!
Estrella's head hit the table.
The maids were speechless.
What else could they expect from their ruthless master?
Estrella's eyes shot open.
"Ouch," she groaned, rubbing her head.
She looked up and saw Luciano standing before her, wearing his usual stoic expression.
Then she noticed the maids, all staring in shock.
She straightened up and realized she was still in the dining hall.
I must have fallen asleep while eating…
But she didn't seem too surprised. It probably wasn't her first time.
Then Luciano spoke coldly, "You have one hour to get ready."
Estrella looked up at him.
So heartless.
He couldn't even say sorry—and now he was ordering her around.
She rolled her eyes and continued eating, completely ignoring him.
Luciano stared at her coldly.
She really had some nerve.
He knew she was waiting for him to explain himself.
But when had he ever explained himself to anyone?
"If you're not ready in an hour, you will regret it," he said before leaving the dining hall.
Estrella acted like she hadn't heard him and continued eating.
Seeing the situation, Aunty Smith approached her gently.
"The master doesn't go easy on people who disobey him," she said softly.
"Estrella, he wants to take you to see Chairman Banks."
Estrella wanted to remain defiant.
But… this was what she had signed up for.
"Okay," she said.
Aunty Smith smiled.
"But I will finish my food first," Estrella added, continuing to eat.
She really was stubborn.
She took small bites, not particularly hungry.
After what felt like forever to Aunty Smith, Estrella finally stood up.
She dragged her feet upstairs.
One hour later, Luciano descended the stairs.
He looked around.
Estrella was nowhere to be seen.
He sat down calmly and waited.
Five minutes passed… then another.
Luciano began to grow impatient.
Another twenty minutes passed, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.
The servants immediately sensed his mood.
Chills ran down their spines.
Whenever their master was like this… nothing good followed.
He had always made others wait.
Never the other way around.
How dare she make him wait?
Finally, he picked up his phone and called Berry.
"Send in a bodyguard,"
Aunty Smith, who stood nearby, immediately understood his intention.
If Estrella wouldn't come out herself, he would have someone drag her out.
She quickly stepped forward.
"Please don't be angry, Mr. Banks," she pleaded.
Luciano remained silent, but the cold aura around him only intensified.
"The young mistress is still young," Aunty Smith continued. "Young people tend to throw tantrums when they're upset."
"She is twenty-two," Luciano muttered coldly. "Not a child."
Seeing her words weren't working, she tried again.
"For my sake, Mr. Banks."
Luciano inhaled deeply and closed his eyes.
Aunty Smith always knew how to get her way.
How could he refuse her when she said for her sake?
Just then, a bodyguard entered.
Luciano raised his hand to dismiss him—
But the sharp sound of heels echoed from the staircase.
Estrella appeared.
Bag in hand. Chin raised.
She walked into the living room and waved at Aunty Smith.
"Bye."
And just like that, she walked past—completely ignoring Luciano.
Everyone froze.
The young mistress was truly bold.
Luciano's temple throbbed.
Not only had she kept him waiting—
She still had the audacity to ignore him.
He stood up, anger radiating from him.
He was going to deal with her properly.
The maids couldn't help but pity Estrella.
No one had ever made Mr. Banks this angry.
Aunty Smith sighed.
Estrella was really a handful.
Before Luciano could take a step, Aunty Smith grabbed his arm.
He looked at her pleading eyes.
He rubbed his temple and nodded reluctantly.
Aunty Smith smiled. "Thank you."
Luciano walked out.
Estrella was already in the car—likely directed there by Berry.
He took a deep breath before opening the door and getting in.
He was about to lash out—
But she was already asleep.
Her head rested against the window.
Luciano clenched his fist and slammed it against the seat.
The driver flinched.
Even Berry straightened up.
Luciano glanced at her again.
She looked peaceful.
Completely unaware of the chaos she had caused.
He adjusted his tie roughly.
"Devil," he muttered under his breath.
This woman was going to drive him crazy.