All the others immediately jumped up. The girl approached me and sat in the chair next to me.
— So, you are here too, — the newly arrived Damiano nodded.
— How could I not be, darling? — she looked a bit flustered. The bright red color suited her very well, and the dress with tulle sleeves made the girl look delicate.
— Sara, please, tell us what’s going on, — everyone present was from our company, so I didn't even try to whisper.
— Only if everyone shares what they know, because I know too little, and you, — she pointed at me, and her eyes flashed reproachfully, — by the way, didn't mention that Leo is "stalking" you, — on the last word, she made little claws with her hands.
— So you knew who he was?! This entire time? — I was offended more by myself for not thinking to ask Sara about him; maybe if I had known more, I could have wriggled out of this absolutely absurd situation.
— Of course, he was at my party!
— A lot of people go to your parties, — Ella chimed in, probably trying to defend me.
— Darling, believe me, I know everyone who comes to my parties personally, — she was silent and added. — So, is everyone willing to share what they know?
A murmur of voices affirming the suggestion was heard.
I recounted my encounters with Leo, the miniature of Cinderella, and the note. Also, I shared what everyone knew — about the invitation and the text within it. Elizabeth only added that she had seen me with the blonde at some parties, but knowing me, she thought she had mixed me up with someone else.
Dam just nodded and said he knew the same and that Sara had passed the invitation to him. It was Mia's turn:
— Well, I was personally surprised yet curious when Adele asked me to find out all the available information about the mysterious stranger De Ville. And the fact that someone was able to flirt with Adele for more than five minutes without receiving any bodily harm surprised me even more. Or maybe they did receive some? — she clarified mockingly, but I rolled my eyes, and she continued her story. — Next, I can only tell you that a blonde, resembling the guy from Adele's request, approached me today after rehearsal, around four. He was very nice and invited me here, saying that my acquaintances would be present, and there was nothing for me to worry about. The principal choreographer and director of the theater personally led him back to the audience, so it gave me hope that it wasn't some kind of prank. And here I am, with you, — she waved her hand over us.
Her story struck me; so the blonde actually came to deliver the invitation? Confidently. Very confidently. Sara concluded this little confession, then paused and continued:
— I have known Leo for over five years, yet I know a minuscule amount of information about him. He has older brothers and a beloved cousin sister. His father comes from one of the richest and oldest families in France — De Ville. You probably know this already, — the girl glanced at me, and I nodded to confirm her words. — His mother is no less worthy; though, she is much calmer and nicer than her husband. Unfortunately, I don't know her maiden name, but that’s not the point... Leonardo, or as he says Leo, was born in Paris and spent most of his life in France. Then, six years ago, he had a serious quarrel with his parents for a reason that almost no one knows and moved here. We met at a charity event and became good friends ever since. I knew his brother, so we found a lot in common. Nick, the guy who liked your post, — Sara pointed at Ella, who was more interested in this part of the speech, — his childhood friend, later moved to Milan as well. Both have their businesses. Nicolas continues his family's business; he owns a large network of restaurants worldwide, and Leo is involved in fashion. His company collaborates with several famous brands, — the girl paused as I comprehended all the new information. — He asked me to pass this on to you, — she now pointed at the letters Ella was holding. — I thought he met you at some show or... She wasn't able to finish; there was another knock, and a young man entered the room with a girl on his arm. They greeted us, the lady sat on the couch, and the young man stood behind her. Silence fell, and then the newcomer extended her hand to me and said,
— Lelia De Bois, but call me Leli, like everyone else, — her smile was so sincere, and her movements so elegant, — and this is my fiancé Philipp De Ville, — the young man nodded. Some brother... I wonder if they all are in Milan?
— Adelina Levitska. You can simply call me Adele, — I extended my hand in response to Leli, her fiancé kissed the hand of every lady present in the order in which they introduced themselves and finally exchanged handshakes with Dam. It was now evident that Philipp was one of the older De Villes. Within a few minutes, Lelia began a conversation with Ella about art and the Romantic era; her fiancé debated with Damiano about the best country for whiskey production, while Sara, Mia, and I whispered about what would happen next.
— If one brother comes, the other will too, — Mia shared her guesses about the other guests.
— Or maybe not, who knows what’s in the minds of these wealthy people? — Sara looked at me in such a way that I quickly added. — Well, in some of them.
— I doubt Leo stopped at seven guests, — Sara finally took her eyes off me. — What do you think?
— Maybe, I have seen him once in my life— replied Mia, I nodded too: my experience wasn't greater (parties without conversation don't count).
Ten minutes later, the clock on the mantelpiece struck seven in the evening. It was at that moment we heard a third knock on the door, and on the threshold stood a couple again. The young man closely resembled Philipp—same blonde-brown curls with darker hues than those Leonardo had, tall stature, broad shoulders, and brown eyes. A thought flickered in my mind that if Elizabeth had brothers, they would look just like this. His partner, however, was like an eastern princess. Her tan skin sparkled in the light of the lamps and strongly contrasted with my and Leli's pale faces; her hair and eyes were almost black, and the dress was dazzlingly white.
— Bro! — Philipp and the guy in black embraced. Leli approached the beauty in white and smiled; they exchanged a few phrases.
— Marco De Ville, — the man in black repeated the ritual of his brother and kissed the hand of each lady. His wife (I noticed a ring on her finger) approached our female company.
— Isabelle. Isabelle De Ville, — "extraordinary woman" - I thought, her voice enveloped and enchanted. We introduced ourselves.
We didn’t have to talk much. The butler entered the room again and asked us to follow him.