|| VALENTINA's POV ||
Almost at once, Sophia's words became the center of attention to everyone. The staff began to look at my way awkwardly, waiting for my reaction.
How the hell did she know that I wasn't at Lorenzo's place?
I gawked at them with a confused expression. As if Sophia had seen through my mind, she continued with a sneer, crossing her arms over her chest,
" Surprise? Well, I went to the mansion last night and heard from the guards that you have been kicked out of the household, dear sister."
I took a deep breath to check on my emotions. Trotting on my shoes, I walked over to them and again spat at their faces furiously,
" Whatever happened between me and Lorenzo, it has nothing to do with the store. I am just an employee under him. You got it? Now, get out of my sight before I strip down your true colors."
Sophia's face turned stiff as if she didn't expect to listen to a feedback threat. Stomping on her feet, she left crying with her mother, pretending to show that they were bullied by me.
I turned my attention back at the puzzled staff as if they were already envisioning me as Lorenzo's Mistress disdainfully. I waved at them in a weak voice,
" Go back to your work!"
_________
I never knew that words were more powerful weapons than any real weapon. After that commotion, my staff began to treat me coldly. Although I tried to ignore it, something didn't miss my observation. I was tired and politely asked the caretaker girl,
" Nora, can you give me a coffee?"
Nora shot me a glance and replied coldly,
" Madam, the manager has asked me to bring snacks for him. Please take it by yourself from the kitchen."
I couldn't say anything in return. In the past, they were the ones who used to give me food even before I asked. Ignoring their comments, I went by myself to get myself a cup of coffee. I was all in my thoughts and didn't notice when the cup was full and hot coffee began to pour down all by itself. I was thinking about Sophia and hoped that they wouldn't cause trouble anymore.
" Ahh...", I jumped off in shock when the hot liquor went down under my feet and gave me a warm feeling. I cursed under my breath for being too distracted and switched off the plug. However, the manager saw it from his office and rushed towards me. He looked down at the mess coldly and almost shouted furiously,
" Madam! If you don't know how to use a coffee machine, why didn't you call any salesgirl? Look what you have done! If anything goes wrong with the machine, we have to waste extra money for it again. The shop might be bankrupt soon if you continue behaving like this."
I was shocked and speechless by his rude behavior. Still, I tried to apologize,
" Sorry..I really didn't mean to..."
But he just gave me a disgusted glare and went back to his office before asking someone to clean the floor. I didn't know why but I felt like I should leave everything behind at once. I couldn't take the pressure of being Lorenzo's Mistress anymore...