The pub
Luca's words sank in making Antonio shoot him a smile.
"You don't mean it!" He said softly.
"Of course!" Luca said with a widened grin, then from the corner of Antonio's eyes he saw his face change.
"I'm sure that Winfield told you about everything my father did, and I feel bad. He tried to ruin our family." He said softly. "Im nothing like my father that's all I want to say and I want our relationship to be nothing like our parents."
Antonio smiled at his words. "It's feels good to hear this."
Luca returned his smile, placing his attention fully on the road.
"So about the empire. Is there anything special I need to know?"
"the Matteo empire is vast—industries in finance, construction, and shipping. You've got a lot to catch up on if you want to step into your role."Luca said, glancing over at Antonio.
Antonio nodded but didn't feel as out of his depth as Luca probably assumed.
Having spent years in the Carter household, he had observed Lisa's father, and his dealings in business. Though James had never involved him directly, Antonio had learned quite a bit from watching. He knew how men like James operated—ruthless, calculating, always looking for an angle.
"I'm not completely unfamiliar with the business world," Antonio replied casually, glancing at Luca. "I have a few knowledge."
Luca's grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly, though his smile remained.
"Is that so?" he asked. "Well, then, that's good. You won't be starting from scratch."
Antonio could sense Luca was slightly on edge.
As they continued the drive, Luca talked about the empire, filling in the gaps—about how his father, Gustavo, had built the business from the ground up and how, after his death, the empire had been left in limbo, waiting for Antonio's return.
"I've always admired Uncle Gustavo," Luca said with a smile. "He was a visionary. You've got big shoes to fill."
Antonio took this in, silently wondering what kind of man his father had been. He wished he could've met him, but there was no time to dwell on that now.
As they pulled up to the pub, the atmosphere shifted. The place was a local spot, not too fancy, but clearly a favorite for people looking to unwind.
Antonio and Luca got out of the car, and as they stepped toward the entrance, Antonio suddenly heard a familiar, unpleasant voice.
"Well, well, well, look who it is. The nobody."
Antonio turned to see Brandon standing by the entrance with a smug grin on his face.
Brandon was the last person Antonio wanted to see tonight.
"What are you doing here, Antonio?" Brandon sneered, stepping closer. "Did you crawl out from under some rock?"
Antonio clenched his fists, trying to stay calm. Brandon had always treated him like dirt, but things were different now.
He was different now.
"Don't push me, Brandon," Antonio said quietly, but there was a firmness in his tone that hadn't been there before.
Brandon laughed mockingly. "Oh, I'm shaking. What are you going to do? Fetch me a drink like the little servant you are?"
Just as Brandon moved to shove Antonio, Luca stepped forward. "Back off."
Brandon blinked, startled. "Who the hell are you?"
Luca's expression didn't change. "I'm Luca Matteo. Antonio is my cousin and the rightful head of the Matteo empire. If you don't want to end up regretting every word you just said, I suggest you show him the respect he deserves."
Brandon's face turned pale, and he took a step back, his bravado crumbling. "Wait... what?" he stammered. "Antonio... the head of the Matteo empire?"
Antonio stood up straighter, feeling a surge of power.
Luca had given him the backing he needed to finally put Brandon in his place.
"Yeah, you heard him right," Antonio said, stepping forward. "You're not going to push me around anymore, Brandon. I'm done taking orders from you or anyone else. So, stay out of my way."
Brandon's mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to respond, but the words didn't come. Instead, he backed off, muttering something under his breath as he turned and hurried away.
As they watched Brandon disappear down the street, Luca clapped Antonio on the shoulder. "That was impressive, cousin. You're learning fast."
Antonio felt a rush of confidence, stronger than he had in years. "Thanks. I guess I finally realized I don't have to let people like him walk all over me."
"Exactly," Luca said, grinning. "Now, let's get those drinks."
They stepped deeper into the pub. Luca ordered a couple of beers.
Meanwhile, back at the Carter mansion, Brandon burst through the front doors, still breathless from his encounter with Antonio.
"I saw him!" Brandon shouted, rushing into the living room where James sat, sipping a glass of whiskey. "I saw Antonio!"
James didn't even look up from his drink. "That's impossible. Antonio's locked up."
"No, I swear!" Brandon insisted, his face flushed. "I saw him, and he's not just out—he's claiming to be part of the Matteo empire!"
James finally looked up, his eyes narrowing. "What did you just say?"
"I'm telling you, James, Antonio is saying he's the heir to the Matteo empire," Brandon said. "And Luca Matteo was there too—he backed him up!"
James's expression darkened. He set down his glass and stood up, towering over Brandon. "Asher!" he called, his voice booming.
Asher appeared from the hallway, his expression grim. "Yes, Father?"
"Go check the place where you locked Antonio up" James ordered. "Now."
Asher didn't argue, disappearing down the hallway. Brandon paced the room nervously, wringing his hands. "I told you, I saw him. And Luca Matteo confirmed it. This is real, James."
A few minutes later, Asher returned, his face pale. "He's gone."
James's fist clenched. "How did this happen?"
"I don't know how," Asher replied.
Brandon stepped forward, still reeling from the shock.
" i was telling you, he's out. And now he's claiming to be the head of the Matteo empire."
James's expression twisted with fury. "That little nobody... thinks he can rise." above me.huh?
James's eyes blazed with anger. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."