Antonio rested his head on his left palm, his eyes looking straight at the bronze wall clock fixed to the wall of the large office. His green t-shirt clung to his body, revealing his decent muscles, and his baggy grey sweatpants folded as he adjusted his posture.Phew!He released a long, deep sigh, clasping his two hands which now supported his chin.Fractured thoughts flashed in his mind as he considered all the things he needed to do at the moment. He wasn't prepared to take over the Lorenzo Empire, as everything had happened quite abruptly.And since everything appeared to be calming down, Antonio had more time to reflect on all of his previous deeds as well as the acts he needed to take, moving forward.'First is Michele,' he murmured. 'His treatment will begin tomorrow.'Antonio rubbed his chin, in a soft, and slow rhythm, as he thought about his brother.He had already arranged the necessary security in charge of Michele. From the hospital perimeters to the nook and cranny of t
''Yes, it's wrapped up.'' The voice of a man cut through the phone.''And what are your next moves?'' An aged voice sounded from the mouthpiece.There was a long silence between the call conversation, neither breaking it, but at the end the man sighed, releasing a heavy breath.''I'm awaiting your next order.'' The man's voice was filled with no emotions, his tone impassive and direct, The man could hear the aged voice click his tongue at his place, but he didn't comment on that. He waited until the aged voice rang in his ears again.''You've done very well, you can take a break now, we will take up things from here,'' the aged voice muttered.''Remember the promise…'' The man who held his phone close to his ears replied, closing his eyes.''You do not have to worry about that, it's something little for us to fulfil.'' The aged voice laughed, which sent chills down the spine of the man, but he didn't retort.''That's all, for now, await our next call.''The man's phone beeped twice,
'Huh?' Antonio paused in his tracks, turning his head back to the source of the voice.At first, he thought the annoying lady from the other section had caught up to him to throw her nuisance at him once again. However, the sight that unfolded before him revealed a lady in a tight white shirt, a short, black skirt, and a leather overcoat.If Antonio's memory didn't fail him, he knew this outfit belonged to the workers here. The sales receptionist, to be specific.''Sorry?'' He tilted his head, his brows arching.The tall, slim lady with brown hair tied into a bun, snarled, clasping her hands on her chest.''A complaint was made from our premium customers that you were being rude and uncultured.'' The lady uttered, her tone, curt.''It was just a misunderstanding, so if you'll please excuse me… Rebecca.'' Antonio squinted his eyes, trailing off momentarily as he read the name clipped to her shirt.Rebecca's frown deepened, as she washed Antonio from head to toe with her brown eyes.Bei
''And I was telling him to leave when you came in,'' Rebecca explained, seeing her boss's gaze travelled towards Antonio's direction.She had spent the last few minutes briefing the manager about the whole situation, and just as she expected, she could see a heavy frown on the manager's face.Chico, the manager, walked forward, his sleek back, black hair and angular jaws, giving him a sharp, and intimidating demeanour. His black suit screamed money, and his matte, brown, leather boots struck the floor with firm, precise steps.''Excuse me, young man, maybe Rebecca hasn't made it clear enough, but this place isn't somewhere any random person can enter.'' Chico's deep and mature voice that brimmed with authority echoed in Antonio's head, making him turn just as he was about to pick a shirt.''You're making other customers uncomfortable with your unbridled presence, so if you'll please honour yourself and leave,'' Chico muttered, his nose bridge tilting upwards as he tried to hide his di
''From now on, you're on our blacklist.'' Antonio uttered, his face relaxed, as though all that just happened was of no significance.Romeo knitted his eyes as he exchanged eye contact with Ellie. Her face darkened, her heart sinking with embarrassment.She came here today to be pampered by her baby, but it happened that even her said baby couldn't save her from getting her ass whooped.Biting her lips to suppress her exasperation, she harrumphed, pouted then snarled at Antonio before stomping out of the store.''Ah…'' Romeo opened his arms wide, perplexed on what to say, but he eventually chose to go after Ellie.'A retard and a simp, tell me a worse combo,' Antonio murmured.''Sir, we can settle this amicably, you can't just fire me.'' Chico pleaded, his voice a shadow of itself.''Oh, I'm now a sir?'' Antonio giggled, staring at Chico, who gazed at him, dumbfounded.''You didn't remember that we were supposed to settle this amicably when you were acting all bossy and all, huh?''
The pristine wall of the VIP ward stretched far and wide, and the facilities here were something that couldn't be found in the regular wards. Each patient had a general care nurse and special nurses who attended to the patient throughout the day.Antonio sat beside Michele's bed, his eyes looking solemn and damp, as he counted every shallow breath that his brother made.''Next two weeks is your birthday, little one,'' Antonio murmured, his hands locked in Michele's right hand.Michele's skin looked pale, a testament to his harrowing condition, and his palm felt cold in Antonio's grip.''You know, just like we always did, celebrate your birthday on Christmas Eve, go hiking, enjoy all those sumptuous meals…''A frail smile that carried gloom rather than happiness mustered on Antonio's face, as felt a stabbing pain in his chest.''You still love the taste of my burritos, right? Because Big Brother is the best burrito maker, huh?'' Antonio giggled, his eyes not letting go of the unconscio
Antonio zoomed across the secluded road of Eastern Southville City, his eyes dancing across the roadsides, enjoying the picturesque view, the small hills covered in snow, woods, stretching far in the distance, and icy vistas.He was headed to La Roche Manor Estate, which was NO789, Royal height district. The district enjoyed tranquillity and a serene environment, far away from the boisterous Urban Way, and other prominent cities that bustled with life.Living in this city itself screamed status and luxury, as it accommodated the elites and their ostentatious assets.Next to the Royal Height district was the Presidential district, where the presidential villa, Black Cliff, was located.These two districts stood as the only place where no gangs or Mafia organizations could settle. The security level here was astonishing, and unless push came to shove necessary, even the dynasties would not like to meddle in the affairs of these two places.As Antonio neared his destination, he slowed do
''Ahem.'' Caleb coughed, attracting the attention of others, as he mustered a wry smile to ease the tension. He gave both Antonio and Lukas a knowing look and nodded his head.''I welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen, to my little abode.'' Caleb's low-pitched voice resounded across the room, grabbing the hearts of everyone present.'Little abode, huh?' The guests laughed inwardly, astonished by Caleb's humble demeanour, even though they all knew it was nothing but a façade.Contrary to his minimalist aura, Caleb did have a stupefying identity as the son-in-law to the president of the States. But that was the less awe striking identity that he pronounced to the outside world. Those who knew him knew his other identity that left others not to trespass their boundaries. Even the current Antonio would have to give him the basic courtesy, as the tradition demanded.''So I believe we're all familiar with each other except for some new faces.'' Caleb smiled, gaining others' approval.''To t