YOU'RE NOW A MATTEO
Mr. Winfield's stern eyes was fixed on the path ahead as he hurried both Luca and Antonio down the hall.
They walked in silence until Luca spoke up.
"How are you feeling about everything?" Luca asked.
"It's all pretty overwhelming, to be honest." Antonio admitted.
"I can imagine. It's not every day you find out you're the heir to an empire." Luca said matter of factly.
Antonio chuckled nervously, unsure how to respond. The entire situation felt surreal.
Before Antonio could say more, a maid ran towards them stopping when she got closer to Mr.Winfield.
"Excuse me, sir." She said softly. "Mr. Woods, the lawyer, has arrived. He's waiting in the study."
Antonio felt a lump in his throat. Everything was moving so quickly. "Right," he muttered, glancing at Luca and then at Antonio.
Luca patted Antonio's back with a bit too much force. "Time to make it official, cousin. Let's not keep the lawyer waiting."
They headed toward the study. Antonio's mind was racing. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this. How was he supposed to take over an entire empire, especially when he had spent most of his life struggling just to survive?
When they entered the study, Mr. Woods, the lawyer, was already seated at a grand desk, a thick leather-bound folder in front of him.
His expression was serious as he stood to greet them.
"Mr. Matteo," Woods said with a respectful nod to Antonio. "It's an honor to meet you. I've been working with your family for years, and it's a privilege to handle this important moment."
Antonio swallowed hard, his nerves getting the best of him. "Uh, thanks. I'm still wrapping my head around all of this."
Mr Woods gave him a small smile of understanding. "That's perfectly natural. But today is a formality. Your father's will clearly stated that upon your return, the assets of the Matteo empire would be transferred to you. All we need is your signature, and we'll be one step closer to making it official."
Mr. Woods sat down and opened the folder, pulling out several sheets of paper and placing them in front of Antonio. He explained briefly what each document was. Antonio barely registered the words as his mind continued to whirl.
"Here," Woods said, sliding a pen across the desk toward Antonio. "Just sign at the bottom of each page."
Antonio stared at the papers for a moment, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him. This was it. Once he signed, his life would change forever.
After a deep breath, he picked up the pen and, with slightly shaky hands, began to sign each document.
When he finished, Mr.Woods collected the papers with a satisfied nod. "Congratulations, Mr. Matteo. You're now the official owner of the Matteo empire."
Mr. Winfield, who had been watching from the side, stepped forward and clasped Antonio's shoulder. "You've done well, Antonio. I've overseen this empire for many years, and I've been waiting for this moment. Tomorrow, you'll take your rightful place at the head of the company."
Antonio nodded, still overwhelmed, but before he could speak, Luca chimed in with a grin.
"Tomorrow's for business, but tonight, let's celebrate a bit. You've just inherited an empire, cousin. I know a great pub nearby. How about we go grab a drink?"
Antonio hesitated, not sure if he was in the mood to celebrate. Everything felt too big, too fast. But Luca's enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn't deny that a drink sounded perfect.
"Sure, why not," Antonio said, forcing a smile.
"Excellent!" Luca clapped him on the back. "I'll call the driver. We'll have a night to remember."
Mr. Winfield watched them, before turning to Mr. Edgar. "Thank you for your service, Edgar. Gustavo would be pleased to know his son is finally stepping into his role."
Edgar nodded. "It was my honor, sir." He gave Antonio a small nod.
As Antonio and Luca made their way to the front of the mansion, Antonio felt excited.
They got into the car, Luca grinning widely as they pulled away from the mansion.
"You've got to relax, cousin," Luca said, pouring himself a glass from a bottle he had brought with him. "This is your life now. Wealth, power—it's all yours. You should be enjoying it."
Antonio stared out the window, as they sped toward the pub. "It's just… a lot to take in. I never thought anything like this would happen to me."
Luca shrugged. "Life's full of surprises. Just remember, you're a Matteo now. That name opens doors. And if anyone gives you trouble, well…" He grinned, raising his glass. "You've got me to deal with them."