The next morning, Luca went to the La Russo headquarters. Miguel had followed him, and together they navigated the busy streets.
The towering glass building stood before him as the car parked in the driveway. Miguel was the first to step out, then Luca joined him.
"This is magnificent," Luca said with a smile.
"It is," Miguel replied. His expression changed, as he stared at Luca.
"Are you okay?" Miguel asked.
"I've been gone too long. I just hope I can live up to everything he built." Luca said.
"You will. You've got the instincts, and you've got me to help fill in the gaps. You don't need to overthink," Miguel replied.
Luca forced a smile. "You're right. I can do it."
"Now that's the spirit," Miguel said. "Let's get you settled in. There's a lot to catch up on."
As they approached the building, employees greeted them, some whispering to each other as they passed by.
Once inside, the lobby greeted them. Luca couldn't help but marvel at the designs. It was unique.
Miguel directed him to the reception desk, where he was greeted by a lovely bloody woman who stood as they approached her. "Mr. La Russo, Mr. Miguel. Welcome."
"Thank you, Shana," Miguel said. "I'd like Michael in."
She nodded in response.
"Good."
Miguel led Luca down the hallways, pointing out various offices and departments.
"The finance team is on this floor. They handle the bulk of the company's day-to-day operations, "he started.
"While the legal department is a few floors up, anything you need to know, they'll brief you. And here—" he gestured to a large corner office—"this is your office now."
Luca paused at the door, staring at the dark wood and glass doors. He felt a lump rise in his throat but quickly swallowed it down.
When he stepped inside, he smiled as his eyes landed on framed photos that lined the shelves that happened to be pictures of his father.
Miguel stood by, watching as Luca absorbed the space. "He was a legend in here, you know. But now it's your turn to create your own story."
Before Luca could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them.
The door opened, revealing a young boy.
"Mr. La Russo," the man greeted you with a nod. "I'm Michael, your father's personal assistant. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Luca extended his hand, shaking Michael's firmly. "Likewise, Michael
"Your father always spoke about you,"Michael said softly. "Your father was a great man. And I have to say, you look just like him."
Luca smiled slightly then raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I've heard that a lot lately."
"It's true," Michael continued. "And you look so much like him. I'm sure you would do just like he did."
Luca felt appreciated.
During that moment Miguel spoke up.
"Michael knows the ins and outs of the company," Miguel said. "If you need anything, he's the one to go to."
Michael stepped forward, placing a folder on the desk. "This is your schedule for the next few days. I've arranged meetings with key department heads, and there are some reports that need your attention. I'll be here to assist in any way you need."
Luca flipped open the folder, scanning through the documents. It was overwhelming, but he didn't show it. L
Just as they were getting into the details, Miguel's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and then his expression changed.
Without a word, he opened a video on his phone and handed it to Luca.
"You're going to want to see this," Miguel said.
Luca took the phone, narrowing his eyes as he pressed play. The screen lit up with a blog page, and there, front and center, was Annabelle. Her face filled the screen as she spoke into the camera.
"Let me tell you something about Luca La Russo," Annabelle said. "He's not the man everyone thinks he is. He left me when I needed him the most, when I was carrying his child! And now, he's trying to silence me, throwing me out like I'm trash. But I'm not going to be silenced."
Luca's jaw clenched as the video continued, Annabelle's words cutting deeper with every sentence. She was trying her best to tarnish his name, and doing it on a platform where everyone could see.
"She's really gone all out this time," Miguel muttered, shaking his head.
Luca handed the phone back, fury simmering beneath him.
"She's not going to stop, is she?"
"No," Miguel agreed. "She knows she's running out of options. She's trying to stir up trouble, make you react publicly."
Luca exhaled slowly, trying to keep his temper in check. "This is exactly what I didn't want. I thought I handled it last night."
"She's desperate," Michael said, stepping forward. "She wants attention, and she's going to use whatever means necessary to get it."
Miguel crossed his arms, thinking for a moment. "The question is, how do you want to handle it? We can ignore it, let it blow over. Or, if you want to make a statement, we can craft a response. But either way, she's going to keep pushing."
Luca stared at the desk, his mind racing. He had more important things to focus on the company, his family's legacy. Annabelle's antics were a distraction, but a dangerous one.
"We can't let this spiral," Luca finally said. "But I'm not going to engage her publicly. That's what she wants."
Miguel nodded, approving of Luca's measured response. "Smart. Keep your distance. Let the lawyers handle it if she tries anything legal. But keep your head down, focus on the company."
"That's exactly what I'm going to do. Annabelle's not my problem anymore," Luca said.
"That's the right move, Mr. La Russo. Your father would've done the same." Michael gave him a respectful nod.
Miguel put a hand on Luca's shoulder. "Let's get back to business. There's a lot to be done."
Luca looked between Miguel and Michael.
"Let's get to work."
Miguel and Michael left Luca afterward, and he continued with his work.
During that moment, his phone rang.
Luca had his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk as he stared at the message on his phone. It was from Annabelle, and as he read it, anger began to bubble in his chest.
"You think you can silence me, Luca? You can't. I have more plans, and I'm not going to stop until the whole world knows the truth."
The truth? Luca scoffed at the words. She had been pushing him. His patience had worn thin, and now, with this latest message, it was clear she wasn't going to stop unless he did something about it.
With a deep breath, Luca set his phone down. He stood abruptly, grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair.
I'll handle this myself, he thought. As he left the office, he didn't bother telling anyone where he was going.
***
When Luca arrived at the large estate that belonged to Annabelle's parents, he kept a stern expression.
The door opened, and Annabelle's father, Ben, greeted him with a warm smile, as though they were old friends.
"Luca, it's good to see you," Raymond said, extending a hand.
Luca stared at the outstretched hand, ignoring it entirely. His eyes narrowed.
"Save it. Your little tactic of playing nice won't work with me."
Ben's smile disappeared for a brief second, but he recovered quickly.
"Please, come inside. Let's talk. There's no need for hostility