Aiden sighed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “I had tried so hard to make it work, for Zia’s sake, but it only made it worse.” Lorenzo reached across the desk, taking Aiden's hand. “I can only imagine what you went through all those years. I will make sure they pay in my own way. You don’t have to worry about caring for Zia alone anymore, Aiden. Here you have me to help you protect Zia and give her the life she deserves.” Aiden nodded, feeling a sense of relief. “Thank you, g-grandfather,” he stammered, still getting used to calling him Grandfather. Lorenzo smiled, a warmth in his eyes that Aiden hadn’t seen before. “We’re family, Aiden. And family sticks together. Now let me answer some of your questions.” Patriarch Lorenzo's study was filled with the ambient glow of a warm evening, the golden light spilling through the tall windows. Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, reached into a drawer, and pulled out a worn leather-bound photo album, its edges frayed with age. He
Aiden began, "To be very honest, personally, I do not know anything about running a business, let alone a business as large as the ones you have built. The closest I have come to running a business is the bar. So if Zain and Bryden can handle it, I think you should let them do it." "Everything can be learned," Lorenzo countered. "Besides, this is your birthright. You cannot just toss it away over some lame excuse. There are systems in place already; all you need to do is follow my directives when you need assistance while you enroll in business school. You'll see that it's not that difficult." "I hope I can be all that you hope for me to be without letting you down," Aiden said. "I am convinced you will be," Lorenzo replied. "We also need to identify the traitor in our midst. Whoever orchestrated this has been hiding in the shadows for too long, and I need them brought to light." Aiden nodded. "How do we start?" "We begin by looking at who had the most to gain from their deaths,"
Aiden handed Zia the smartwatch that the guards had given him and explained how to use it if she ever felt in danger. She nodded seriously, then hugged him tightly. “I love you, Daddy.” “I love you too, Zia,” he said, his heart swelling with pride and love. He then returned to his room to get ready for the day. Staring into the mirror, Aiden punched his face lightly to ensure he wasn’t dreaming. He couldn’t believe he was wearing an Armani suit, just like those people he had admired from afar. His closet was filled with luxury accessories—from wristwatches to belts, shoes, and more. Each item seemed to be a different expression of wealth and status, and there were so many that he doubted he’d ever wear them all. A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. It was the chief guard assigned to him. “Your grandfather is ready and wants to know if you are,” the guard said. “I’m ready,” Aiden replied, adjusting his suit. The guard looked at his wrist. “What happened to your smartwatch
Before Zain could respond, Bryden, who had been silently fuming, interjected. “Grandfather, I understand your kind intentions, but even if it turns out that Aiden is indeed a Romanov, he wouldn’t even know our business establishments, let alone be able to manage them successfully. You should reconsider your decision.” Lorenzo’s voice was firm. “I have made my decision, Bryden. There will be no changing it, especially as I look forward to retiring soon.” The room fell silent, waiting to see if anyone else would speak up. No one did. Lorenzo nodded, satisfied, and adjourned the meeting. He motioned for Aiden to follow him, and they, along with a few guards, headed to his office. As they walked through the opulent halls, Lorenzo glanced at Aiden. “You handled that well, Aiden. I know it wasn’t easy.” “Thank you, Grandfather. I have to admit, I was nervous,” Aiden replied, still reeling from the confrontation. “That’s understandable,” Lorenzo said as they entered his office. “But you
After serving them, she stood by Mr. Kohler, who turned to Lorenzo with a proud smile. “Lorenzo, introduce me to this young man.” Lorenzo patted Aiden’s shoulder. “Adam, this is my grandson, Aiden Romanov. After years of searching, I’ve finally found him.” Kohler beamed at Aiden. “Aiden, welcome. I can already tell from your height and looks that you’re a Romanov. Congratulations on finding your way back.” “Thank you, Mr. Kohler,” Aiden replied, shaking his hand. Kohler then turned to the young lady. “And this is my granddaughter, Silvana Kohler. She’s just back from her studies abroad.” Silvana gave Aiden a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Aiden. We should catch up sometime.” Lorenzo nodded approvingly. “Yes, you two should get to know each other.” After a brief conversation, Lorenzo decided it was time to leave. Aiden cast one last look at Silvana before exiting. She had a captivating presence that lingered in his mind. Upon returning home, Aiden escorted his grandfather
By morning, Lorenzo wasted no time, instructing his office to send out emails to every board member and management staff. Each email carried a duplicate of the test result and an invitation to a grand welcome dinner in honor of Aiden and Zia. Lorenzo also extended the invitations to his numerous business partners, ensuring the event would be nothing short of spectacular. Later that evening, he called Aiden into his study, a hint of excitement in his voice. “I’ve organized a dinner scheduled for Friday evening to formally introduce you and Zia to the family and our business associates.” Aiden nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. “Thank you, Grandfather. I appreciate everything you’re doing.” Lorenzo smiled warmly. “This is your rightful place, Aiden. It’s time everyone recognizes it.” Friday had fast arrived, and throughout the day, preparations for the dinner were in full swing and Lorenzo advised that Aiden excuse himself from work in order to be well-rested fo
Aiden laughed along with the others at the unplanned chorus. Ashley, exerting her influence as the older sister, gently nudged Silvana aside. “I’m the older one, I get to tuck her in,” she insisted with a playful grin.Silvana pouted momentarily, but then smiled, conceding defeat. “Fine, but next time it’s my turn.”As Ashley scooped up Zia, the maids who had been standing at a respectful distance followed them inside. Aiden watched as Zia snuggled into Ashley’s shoulder, her tiny arms wrapping around her neck. The sight filled him with a sense of peace and belonging.Left with Silvana and some guards who remained at a distance, Aiden decided it was time for a more serious conversation. “Silvana,” he began, “I’m certain we’ve met before I arrived at your grandfather’s house.”Silvana’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she tried to deny it. “Oh, really? I don’t think so.”Aiden smiled, not ready to relent. “You can’t fool me. I know it was you who brought the medication for Zia. I recogn
Aiden gave his guards a reassuring nod. “I’ll be back shortly,” he said, walking away from the bustling crowd.Inside the restroom, he felt a strange dizziness take hold. Before he could gather his thoughts, Massimo appeared from the shadows. His eyes were wild with rage as he lunged at Aiden, punching him relentlessly. Aiden tried to fight back, but his strength was sapped by whatever was in his drink. Massimo left him bleeding on the floor, slipping out the back door unnoticed.When Aiden didn’t return after a considerable time, his chief guard grew concerned. Ignoring Zain’s earlier dismissal, he went to check on him. He found Aiden crumpled on the floor, barely conscious and covered in blood.“Get help!” he shouted, lifting Aiden gently. Aiden remembered flashes of light and the sound of urgent voices before everything went dark.He was rushed home, slipping into unconsciousness for days. During this time, Uncle Zain saw an opportunity to take control. He convened a meeting with t