Chapter 27

William’s POV

“It’s not,” I rolled my eyes. “Scarlett is my best friend. I had some business to take care of here, and I’m making the most of the situation.”

“You’d better leave for Milan today. I want you to send me photos when you get there. And if you don’t, you’re going to be in serious trouble. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” I muttered.

Ending that call was the best thing I’ve done in my life. I feel bad that I can’t sever ties with my parents. I can’t believe that even as a grown adult, they still want to control me. It’s not what I desire. If Mom had taught me to be braver when I was little, I’d stand up to everyone without a second thought. But that’s Francis’s job, he doesn’t mince words when it comes to my parents. I admire that about him. I wish I had more of Francis in me and less of myself.

I stopped playing with the toothpick and tossed it to the floor. I knocked on Scarlett’s room door; she opened it wearing a hoodie and incr