Looking it up online didn't help much.
Most of the available information about the Romano family only confirmed that they were billionaires.
They hosted charity galas attended by influential figures, where the wealthy gathered, socialized, and built connections. It was known as one of the best places to form business ties and secure future deals.
They owned numerous companies, many of which operated under a larger corporate group with their own subsidiaries. The Romano family dominated the real estate and finance sectors and stood as a major force in both industries.
In recent years, their attention had shifted toward technology, including the company where Roseanne currently worked. There were also rumors that they had begun investing in space exploration.
It had been a few days since Roseanne rode in Czar's car. Since then, both of them had been tied up with work. They saw each other every day but their interactions stayed strictly professional. There was no chance to bring up their conversation that night.
Still, she kept thinking about it.
Why did he run a background check on her?
What did he mean when he asked, "What's a Rousseau doing here?"
Why did he treat her as if she had done something wrong?
He had called her a stranger. A rat.
"No one knows we're related to the Romano family," Abigail whispered while they stood inside the pantry. "Well, it's not technically owned by them. Ms. Gjorgiev is just a distant relative, right?"
"It seems that way," Roseanne replied, taking a slow sip of her coffee.
Abigail let out a quiet sigh. "Billionaires really are different. It's been more than a week and I still can't get used to all those guys following Mr. Romano everywhere."
Roseanne glanced toward the hallway and saw a few of them walking past the glass walls. Two were stationed right outside the CEO's office, standing straight and alert. When she arrived earlier that morning, she had counted at least five more around the company building.
"I hope it doesn't have anything to do with the rumors. If it does, that would be terrifying," Abigail whispered, rubbing her arms as if she had suddenly felt cold.
"What rumors?" Roseanne asked.
Abigail studied her expression before answering. "Those rumors. You know… that they're involved in crimes."
Roseanne's eyes widened slightly. It wasn't as if the thought had never crossed her mind, but hearing it said out loud still caught her off guard. "What are you talking about?"
"People like them are never clean." Abigail set her coffee down on the table, then stepped closer and lowered her voice. "There are stories going around that they're one big crime family and that they're involved in illegal stuff."
Somehow it pulled Roseanne back to the night she found a gun taped under Galen's desk and the time he came home reeking of blood. Had her ex-husband been involved in something illegal too?
All her life, all she knew was that her father had pledged loyalty to the Mancini family, a powerful household that ran businesses in the media and entertainment industry.
With countless talents under contract and frequent lawsuits rising from disputes and scandals, they often turned to her father for help. As a senior lawyer, he handled their legal troubles and protected their interests.
But Galen was a distant relative of the Mancini family and he was in charge of DAON, one of their entertainment companies. That was how their marriage was arranged. She was matched with Galen and Brielle was promised to one of the Mancini heirs.
If Galen was indeed involved in illegal stuff, did that mean his father was involved as well?
"Yesterday," Abigail looked around nervously before whispering, "someone from marketing said she saw one of them had a gun."
"What…?"
Before she could ask more, a voice cut through the room. "Ms. Leclair."
One of Czar's bodyguards stood nearby. Abigail froze, looking like she might leap out the window, worried the man had overheard their conversation.
"Mr. Romano is asking you to come to his office. Now."
"Oh. Alright."
Roseanne gave Abigail a reassuring smile, then stepped out of the pantry to follow the bodyguard toward the CEO's office.
"Come in," Czar's voice called after she knocked.
He was buried in documents when Roseanne stepped inside. "Did you call for me, Mr. Romano?"
"Clear your schedule this Saturday," he replied, not lifting his eyes from the papers.
"Yes…?" she frowned.
"You're coming with me to a party."
"May I know what party, sir? I don't think you're scheduled for any events this week," she protested.
"I'm not filling in for Genevieve." Czar leaned back, his eyes fixed on hers. "It's a charity gala I attend every year. I'll send the dress and pick you up."
"Sir, I'm sorry but this Saturday—"
"No excuses."
"Okay, but, there's no need to pick me up. Please just send me the address. I'll meet you at the venue."
Roseanne wasn't stupid enough to let a man who had already run a background check on her show up at her doorstep. That would be handing him more information than he already had.
If she allowed him to come to her house, it wouldn't take long for him to start connecting the dots. Once he did, he might discover that Kaden was his son.
Czar studied her for a long moment, leaning back in his chair. "You're trying very hard to keep me away from your house. I find that endearing, Ms. Rousseau."
Roseanne remained silent and tried to not let any emotion show on her face.
"Very well. We'll meet at the office instead, I'll pick you up."
She nodded at once. That was far better than having him show up at her doorstep. She had to agree before he reconsidered. "Alright. And I already have a dress, so there's no need to send one."
"No, I'll send you one. Wear it and doll yourself up."
It was more of a command and she had no choice but to comply. She pressed her lips into a thin line before replying, "Understood, sir. Is there anything I should prepare?"
"Nothing. You're dismissed, Ms. Rousseau."
Roseanne excused herself and stepped out of the office, letting out a quiet sigh.
She had promised Kaden that she would take him to the arcade this Saturday.