Rowan returned to his office after shopping, trying to remain calm, but a storm was building beneath his composed exterior. He stood by the large window that overlooked the city, watching as the sky turned dark, mirroring his turbulent thoughts. The oppressive clouds gathered, heavy with impending rain, much like the storm brewing in his mind.
He clenched his fists, the memory of Amara’s defiance and her words replaying in his head. Her rejection had stung, but what gnawed at him more was the sight of her with another man. “Brother,” she had called him. Rowan wasn’t convinced. The rage inside him simmered, ready to boil over.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on his office door. Kyle, his right-hand man, entered. “Boss, you called me?”
Rowan turned away from the window, his expression murderous. “Get me the details of the Moretti family,” he ordered, his voice cold and clipped.
Kyle glanced at Rowan’s face, noting the dark look in his eyes. “Miss Amara’s family?” he clarified.
Rowan nodded, his jaw clenched. “Yes, the Moretti family. I want everything you can find on them. Now.”
Kyle didn’t need to be told twice. He could sense the dangerous edge in Rowan’s voice and knew better than to question him further. “I’ll get right on it,” he said, quickly leaving the office to gather the information.
Rowan returned his gaze to the window, his mind racing. The Moretti family had always been an enigma to him. He knew they were powerful, influential in circle. But beyond that, his knowledge was limited. Now, he needed to understand them fully-every strength, every weakness.
As the minutes ticked by, Rowan’s impatience grew. The sky outside had opened up, releasing a torrential downpour. The rhythmic patter of rain against the window did little to soothe him. He paced the room, his thoughts a chaotic whirl.
His mind flashed back to Amara’s defiant eyes and the way she had spoken to him. “You have no right to claim me or dictate who I spend time with.” Her words cut deep, and the image of her with another man only fueled his anger. He had to know who he was up against, and he had to make sure Amara understood that she belonged to him.
As the evening sun cast its warm glow over the sprawling Moretti estate, the air was thick with anticipation. The lush gardens, meticulously manicured, led up to the grand mansion where a significant meeting was about to take place. Victor Romano had arrived at the Moretti residence to discuss his son Alessandro’s engagement to Amara Moretti.
Victor’s sleek black car rolled to a stop at the front entrance, and he stepped out, adjusting his tailored suit. His presence commanded respect and caution, his sharp eyes taking in the surroundings as he made his way to the door. Lucas greeted him and led him through the opulent hallways adorned with fine art and antique furnishings, finally arriving at Vincent Moretti’s study.
Vincent Moretti stood as Victor entered, extending a hand with a warm smile that belied the careful calculation behind his eyes. “Victor, it’s good to see you,” he greeted, his tone friendly yet reserved.
“Vincent,” Victor replied, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for having me on such short notice.”
“Please, have a seat,” Vincent gestured to the plush leather chairs in front of his mahogany desk.
As they settled in, a servant brought in a tray with coffee and pastries, setting it on a side table before quietly exiting the room. Vincent poured coffee for both of them, the rich aroma filling the air.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Vincent began, though he already had a good idea of the answer.
Victor leaned forward slightly, his demeanor serious. “I’m here to discuss the engagement of my son Alessandro to your daughter Amara. As you know, this union would be beneficial for both our families, strengthening our alliance and ensuring mutual prosperity.”
Vincent nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. “I understand the importance of this arrangement, Victor. However, I must inform you that we have a significant event approaching. My eldest son, Leo, is getting married next month. The preparations are taking up much of our time and resources.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing a delay. “I see. While I congratulate Leo and your family on this joyous occasion, I must emphasize the urgency of our matter. The engagement between Alessandro and Amara is not just a familial matter but a strategic alliance that cannot be postponed for too long.”
Vincent maintained his composed demeanor. “I appreciate your understanding, Victor. Leo’s wedding is a pivotal moment for our family, and it demands our full attention. Rest assured, once the wedding is concluded, we will give the engagement the focus it deserves.”
Victor’s expression remained unreadable, though his mind was working rapidly. He had anticipated resistance but hoped to push through it. “Vincent, delaying this engagement could be seen as a sign of hesitation or lack of commitment. Our families have long supported each other, and this union would solidify our bond in a turbulent time.”
Vincent leaned back in his chair, considering his words carefully. “You’re right, Victor. The Moretti and Romano families have a history of cooperation and mutual support. It’s precisely because of this that I ask for your patience. Rushing into this engagement without proper attention could lead to misunderstandings or missteps. I assure you, after Leo’s wedding, we will dedicate ourselves fully to Alessandro and Amara’s engagement.”
Victor exhaled slowly, recognizing the diplomacy in Vincent’s approach. “I understand your position, Vincent. But I also hope you understand mine. Alessandro is eager to formalize this union, as am I. Delays can lead to complications.”
Vincent nodded, acknowledging the concern. “Your points are valid, and I appreciate your candor. Let’s agree on this: as soon as Leo’s wedding celebrations are complete, we will set a date to formalize Alessandro and Amara’s engagement. In the meantime, our families can continue to collaborate closely, ensuring that our alliance remains strong.”
Victor considered the proposal, weighing his options. After a moment, he nodded. “Very well, Vincent. I will respect your timeline, but I will also hold you to your word. Alessandro and Amara’s engagement must be our next priority after Leo’s wedding.”
“Agreed,” Vincent said, extending his hand once more. “Our families will grow even stronger together.”
Victor shook his hand, the agreement sealed with a firm grip. “Thank you, Vincent. I look forward to the celebrations next month and to solidifying our alliance soon after.”
As they stood, the tension in the room eased slightly. Vincent escorted Victor to the door, ensuring that the departure was as cordial as the arrival.
“Safe travels, Victor,” Vincent said as they reached the entrance.
“Thank you, Vincent,” Victor replied, his tone respectful but with an underlying determination. “Until next time.”
Vincent watched as Victor’s car drove away, the weight of their conversation lingering in his mind. He knew the importance of the alliance with the Romano family, but he also knew that rushing into the engagement could have unforeseen consequences. For now, he needed to focus on Leo’s wedding, ensuring it went off without a hitch.
Back in his study, Vincent sat down, his mind already strategizing the next steps. He needed to ensure that both the wedding and the engagement proceeded smoothly, maintaining the delicate balance of power and alliances that kept his family at the top.
As the evening wore on, Vincent called Leo into his study. Leo entered, curious about the summons. “Yes, Dad?”
Vincent gestured for him to sit. “We need to talk about the upcoming weeks. Victor Romano was here to discuss Amara’s engagement to his son Alessandro.”
Leo’s eyebrows raised. “I didn’t realize it was so urgent.”
“It is,” Vincent confirmed. “But I’ve managed to delay it until after your wedding. Once your celebrations are over, we’ll have to turn our full attention to Amara’s engagement.”
Leo nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I’ll make sure the wedding goes smoothly, Dad. You can count on me.”
Vincent smiled, a rare moment of warmth in the midst of his constant strategizing.