Chapter 15: Spying?[Bonus Chapter]

As they drove away from the restaurant, Roman thought to himself, "Maybe I am a bit too overprotective. I should calm down." He glanced over at Bianca, who was gazing out the window, her mind seemingly elsewhere. He knew she was capable of handling herself, and he trusted her judgment. "I just want to keep her safe," he thought, "but I shouldn't suffocate her with my protectiveness."

Earlier, when they had suggested eating with Albert at the restaurant, he had declined, saying he would rather wait in the car. Roman and Bianca had bought food for him anyway, thinking he might change his mind. But when they offered it to him, he politely refused, saying he wasn't hungry. Roman had been a bit taken aback, but he respected Albert's wishes. "Maybe he just needs some time to himself," Roman thought, making a mental note to check in with Albert later.

As they approached the estate, Roman turned to Bianca and asked, "Hey, sis, are you doing okay? You've been a bit quiet since lunch." Bianca turned to him, a small smile on her face. "Yeah, I'm fine, Roman. Just thinking about stuff." Roman nodded, knowing better than to pry. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you," he said, and Bianca nodded in appreciation.

As they pulled up to the estate, Albert emerged from the car, his expression stoic as always. Roman and Bianca exchanged a look, and Roman shrugged. "Maybe he's just having a bad day," he thought, making a mental note to keep an eye on his new butler. Little did he know, Albert was hiding secrets of his own, secrets that would soon change everything.

~While Roman and Bianca were at the restaurant~

Albert got to the car and lit a cigarette, the smoke filling the interior as he went inside and opened his phone. He dialed the number saved as "Young Miss" and waited for an answer.

"Hello, Young Miss. I have the report you requested on Roman," Albert said, his voice respectful and professional.

A familiar voice, one that Roman would have recognized if he were there, sounded on the other end. "Albert, I told you before not to call me 'Young Miss' anymore. I'm not young anymore."

"You will always be young to me, Miss," Albert responded calmly, his tone unwavering.

Sophia sighed, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. "Tell me what you have. I sent you to learn about Roman, maybe it was too much, but I didn't know better."

Albert's voice sounded tired, his words laced with a hint of disapproval. "Don't you think you should get to know the boy instead of sending me to spy on him, Miss? He's a good kid, and he deserves better than to be watched like a hawk."

Sophia's voice sounded embarrassed, her words hesitant. "I...I didn't mean to overstep, Albert. I just wanted to know more about him, that's all. Please, just tell me what you've found out."

Albert's expression remained stoic, his eyes fixed on the smoke curling out of the cigarette, as he continued to report his findings to Sophia, his voice a monotone drone in the silence of the car.

"He's a loyal brother, and he cares deeply for Bianca. He's protective, but not overly so. He trusts her judgment, and he's willing to give her space when needed. He's also kind and generous, always willing to help those in need. But...there's something else, Miss."

Sophia's voice was laced with curiosity. "What is it, Albert?"

Albert's pause was deliberate, his words chosen carefully. "Roman looks more different than the picture you gave me, Miss. The difference was even more blatant after he got the haircut. He looks...more handsome, I'm sure you'll like that, Young Miss."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Sophia spoke, her voice tinged with surprise. "More handsome? That's...interesting, Albert. Thank you for letting me know."

Albert's voice was laced with a hint of warning. "Miss, if Roman finds out about you sending me to take notes on him, he won't be happy. He values his privacy, and he won't take kindly to being spied on."

Sophia's voice was hesitant, her words laced with uncertainty. "I...I didn't think of that, Albert. I just wanted to know more about him."

Albert's tone was firm but gentle. "If you really feel for the boy, Miss, then you should come sincere. Not for Roman's sake, but for yours. Don't play games with his heart, or yours. Be honest, be open, and let things develop naturally."

Sophia yielded, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right, Albert. I...I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Albert's expression softened, his voice comforting. "I know you didn't, Miss. But sometimes, our actions have unintended consequences. Just be careful, that's all I'm saying."

Sophia took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts. She knew Albert was right, but she couldn't help the way she felt. She had to see this through, no matter the cost.

"Albert, wait a few days before you leave," Sophia said finally, her voice firm. "I need some time to think, to figure out my next move."

Albert nodded, his eyes never leaving the phone. "Very well, Miss. But promise me you'll be careful."

Sophia's laughter was low, husky, and laced with a hint of mischief. "Oh, Albert. You worry too much. I can take care of myself. And besides...I have a feeling that Roman is not going to be angry at me for too long if he finds out."

Albert's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he tried to read between the lines. But Sophia's voice was enigmatic, her words dripping with mystery. He knew better than to press her, so he simply nodded and waited for further instructions.

Albert's eyes were fixed on the phone, his mind still processing Sophia's words, when he saw Roman and Bianca approaching. He didn't flinch or panic, simply observing their approach with a neutral expression.

As they drew nearer, Albert calmly got out of the car, phone still in hand, and waited for them to reach him.

~present~