108. Father and Grandfather.

ELENA.

I did not know what the fight was about, but I did not need to be told that Deangelo needed some time to calm down so I decided to leave things alone for a while, to let him process his emotions and come to terms with what had happened. I didn't want to push him into talking about it if he wasn't ready. I knew that sometimes, when emotions are running high, it's best to take a step back and give people some space. I wanted to be there for Deangelo, to support him in whatever way he needed, but I also knew that he needed to process things on his own.

I was walking down the hallway, on my way to the children's playroom when I heard Camilla calling out to me from the kitchen. I turned back to see her rushing towards me, giving her puppy eyes. "Elena, please come with me to the supermarket," she pleaded. "I need to help to get some foodstuff to make the children's favorite food, hopefully, it would cheer them up, mom said so."

I paused for a moment, contemplating her request. I knew that the children were upset, and Mrs. Cali’s idea sounded like a good plan to cheer them up. Besides, it would give me a chance to get out of the house and clear my head. "Of course, Camilla. Let's go," I said, hoping that we could lift their mood. As we walked towards the door, Camilla added, "We'll stop by the mall too. I need to get some clothes for myself."

I didn't have a problem with that, but I was caught off guard when Camilla said, "I was thinking of asking Luca to drive us."

My heart dropped at the mention of his name. Things were still awkward between us after what happened at the pool. I couldn't bear being around him at the moment. "I think we should take a cab," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Camilla looked at me with a concerned expression. "Elena, it's not safe to take a cab. So many enemies are still out there, the alpha warned that Bruno is out for blood too."

I knew she had a point, but the thought of being alone with Luca made my stomach churn. "I don't care. We'll take a cab," I insisted.

Camilla sighed, knowing that I wouldn't budge. We ordered a cab and it was soon around. As we sat in the back seat, the streets were quiet, and the only sound was the soft humming of the car engine as the driver drove us to the supermarket. As we drove, Camilla filled me in on the details of what had transpired earlier with Deangelo and his father.

"I don't understand why he would just leave like that," Camilla said, shaking her head. "The children were crying and begging him to stay, but he just walked out, can you imagine that? He did not even leave properly."

I sighed, feeling a deep sense of sadness for the children. They deserved better than to have a father and grandfather who cared so little for their emotions. But I knew that it was not my place to judge, so I stayed quiet and listened to Camilla as she talked.

We arrived at the supermarket and quickly found the foodstuff that the chef had requested. As we shopped, we chatted and laughed, and for a moment, I forgot all my worries. It felt good to have a friend like Camilla who could lift my spirits even on the darkest of days.

SOFIA.

I noticed that Elena had left the house and decided to check on the children. When I got to Diego's room, I found him crying uncontrollably. He was devastated by his grandfather's sudden departure. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to manipulate the children's feelings towards their nanny, Elena so I approached him seizing the moment to plant a seed of doubt in his mind.

"What's wrong, Diego?" I asked, pretending to be concerned.

"It's Grandpa. He's gone, he did not even tell us beforehand, he just left angrily." Diego sobbed.

"I know, it's sad. But you know who's to blame, right?" I said, trying to sound serious.

"No, who?" Diego looked at me with confusion.

"It's Elena. She convinced your dad to send Grandpa away," I lied. "And she might also try to get rid of you and Mia."

"What? No, that's not true," Diego cried even harder.

"But it is. Don't you see how she's always trying to control everything and everyone in this house? She's not your friend, Diego," I continued, hoping to plant a seed of doubt in his mind.

I could see the confusion and fear on Diego's face. I knew I had to do the same with Mia, but I had a feeling it would not be as easy as with Diego.

"Mia, have you seen Elena?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"No, I haven't. Why?" Mia looked up at me.

"I don't know, I just thought maybe you could help me find her," I said, trying to sound innocent.

"What's going on, Ms. Sofia?" Mia asked, suspicion in her voice.

"Nothing, I just wanted to talk to Elena about something," I said, hoping to sound convincing.

"Is this about Grandpa leaving?" Mia asked, catching on to my game.

"Well, yes. But it's not just that. I think Elena might be trying to get rid of all of us," I said, trying to sound scared.

"What? No, that's not true, it does not even make any sense." Mia said firmly.

"But it is and it does make sense. I heard her talking to your dad about it," I lied, hoping to make Mia doubt Elena's loyalty.

"I don't believe you, Ms. Sofia. Elena would never do that, she has no reason to." Mia said, standing up and looking me in the eyes.

I could see the determination and loyalty in Mia's eyes. She was not going to let me turn her against Elena. "Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?" I said, trying to sound defeated.

I smiled to myself, knowing that my plan to turn the children against Elena was working. I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that soon, Elena would be out of our lives, and I would be the one in control.