Chapter 2 II

The cell phone which was laying on my office desk rang loudly in the silence. I reached towards it and smiled a bit when I saw who the caller was. Mr Lorenzo Ricci; business tycoon, president of Ricci's enterprise, my role model and mentor. He was the man who took me out of a hopeless life and made me who I am today. A man I deeply respect.

I swipe towards the green button to answer the call and placed it against my ear. "Good morning sir."

"Morning Rowan." His powerful voice echoed through the phone and I found myself sitting up in attention. Whenever he speaks, Mr Rowan commands respect just by the echo of his voice. I'm so used to his professional tone, the same tone that molded me into who I am today. "Come to my house in five minutes. There is something important that I must discuss with you." 

He cut the call without waiting for a response. That's how it has always been between us. Mr Ricci has always been strict and commanding. As a man who never takes no for an answer, he doesn't even bother asking of people's opinions. He does as he pleases and his instinct has always been right. 

I have a deep respect for him, and I for one would never argue with him or go against his orders. Which is why I was quickly putting aside my bundles of paper work, flinging on my suit jacket and hurrying out of my office.

As I passed my secretary who was seated at her desk, I rushed out. "Take care of the office in my absence Talia."

"Yes sir!" She replied enthusiastically without a word of question, and I hurried on towards the elevator.

As I left the building, everyone greeted me with respect, and I return it with a polite smile. It was expected because I was the CEO of Ricci's enterprise, all thanks to Mr Ricci. An orphan kid would never have dreamed of a life like mine. I was lucky that Mr Ricci stumbled upon me and took me in. 

A few minutes later, I found myself at the Ricci's estate. The house was a huge mansion that looks like it was built with old money. Your face would literally be scanned before the gates would be opened up for you.

There was a beautiful sculpture right in the middle of the compound and beautiful flowers of different colors decorating the place.

I parked my car in front of the house and headed towards the front porch. I pressed on the doorbell and the maid opened the door for me.

The minute Anna saw it was me, she offered a gap toothed grin and I returned it with a polite one. "Ciao Rowan. It's good to see you." She greeted in a heavy Italian accent.

"Hello Anna," I replied back politely which got her blushing.

Anna is a woman in her late thirties and she has worked for the Ricci for years now. We've known each other for a while now. I was a teen when the Ricci's hired her and since then we have been kind of friends.

"You're here to see the boss I assume?" She asked as she stepped aside so I could walk into the heaven called house .

"Yes Anna, he asked for me." I replied trying not to get taken away by the beauty of the inside mansion. It has been years since I've been coming here, but the beauty and luxury of this place never seize to amaze me.

"Mr Ricci is waiting for you in his study. I'll lead the way." Shyly, she walked past me and I smiled and followed behind her. 

I knew Mr Ricci's study by heart. I've been here many times to discuss business, but I guess Anna still enjoys leading me to my destination.

Mr Ricci was seated there at his study table when we got there. He was wearing his glasses with his nose buried in a book.

Although he was almost clocking 70, the old man could easily pass for a fifty years old. He was still tall, strong and handsome at his age. If not for his greying hair, no one would believe he was already a grandpa to twenty six year old children.

"Boss, Rowan is here." Anna inofrmed and the old man's eyes lifted to stare at me with hard grey eyes. Firm and strong. He was a man of very few words, he doesn't smile and I don't think I've ever seen him laugh. Unless when he was with his granddaughter Alessandra Ricci. Only then does he manage a smile sometimes.

I rushed forward and shook hands with Mr Ricci making sure I used my two hands to show respect. "Good morning sir."

"Morning son. Take a seat." I didn't wait to be told twice, I took a seat across him. He lifted his head and address Anna, "get Mr Brooks some coffee Anna."

"Immediately boss." She said and was gone in a second.

I wanted to speak first and immediately ask why he asked to see me. Not knowing made me nervous, but I've known Mr Ricci for years and I've learnt never to speak first when in his presence. He has the first and final say.

He didn't speak and kept reading his book, and I tried not to fidget in my seat as the clock kept on ticking. 

Soon Anna returned with the coffee and I was thankful for the distraction. I thanked Anna as she placed the coffee before us, and only when she left did Mr Ricci speak.

"So, Rowan. There's a reason why I called you here." I sat up straight ready to do whatever Mr Ricci commands, but there was something off about this meeting. Mr Ricci isn't someone who would beat around the bush, and I kind of feel like he's also nervous about what he wants to say.

But, Mr Ricci is never nervous. This is strange. Maybe I'm the one acting strange.

Mr Ricci closed his book and pulled off his glasses focusing his attention in me. "I'm sure you know my grandchildren Alessandra and Alessandro?" He asked.

I was confused as to why he was bringing them up. They were twins, and I have met Alessandra Ricci. She's his favorite grandchild and a pampered child. Mr Ricci would do anything for her. 

I've seen her around when I was undergoing training with Mr Ricci. We have talked once or twice, but we have never really been friends.

As for Alessandro Ricci, I've never met him. All I know is that, he's stubborn as hell which is why his grandfather sent him to LA to live with his grand uncle and aunt, and that happened before I was even adopted. So I never got to meet him. I do know he's heir to Ricci's enterprise and is probably going to be my boss in the future.

"Yes sir. I know about your grandchildren. Is anything wrong with them?"

He nodded with a solem look. "Not them actually, but something is wrong with my grandson Alessandro."

Worry clouded my mind. I don't know the guy, but I'm worried for my mentor. "Is it something serious boss?"

He nodded again. "It's serious!"

I gulped. I can handle an unreadable Mr Ricci, an angry Mr Ricci and even a happy Mr Ricci, but I can't handle a sad Mr Ricci. No no no!

Despite my fears, I summoned the courage to ask. "What's wrong with him boss?"

I expected a terminal illness, an accident, something horrible of the sort, but not what Mr Ricci said in answer.

"My grandson is a worthless piece of shit who would only destroy the image of my company if he ever takes over in the future." My eyes widened. I didn't expect that. "So I've decided," he continued. "I want you to marry my daughter Alessandra and take over the company." He looked me straight in the eyes and added, "I want you to be my heir."

Okay.

What the actual fuck!