Chapter 3

Adrian Cagliari stood at the apex of the technology industry at 27. He had a keen eye for innovation, setting himself apart from the family business to build his dream company, Tixton, from the ground up. Tixton was now one of Cagliari's major successes, and he was a rising force.

Building and maintaining his family's legacy required a firm hand, making him rather firm and disciplined. He oversaw all matters in Italy and America, as well as other branches worldwide. Domineering, assertive, and principled, he ensured a palpable tension among those who worked with him. It was both a burden and a benefit.

As he discussed with the investors, his secretary and his personal assistant were outside, mentally preparing to interrupt the meeting. Turner then walked into the spacious office, a phone in his hand. Pausing his call, Adrian raised his eyes to his secretary, who felt a chill run down his spine.

"I thought I was clear with my instructions," Adrian bit out, his gaze making Mr. Turner shiver.

"Boss, it's a call from the housekeeper at the mansion," Turner stuttered, his hands shaking as he held out the phone.

Adrian sighed, returned to the call to conclude the meeting, and collected the phone from him.

"Speak," he commanded coldly.

"Master Adrian, I called to inform you of your mother's sudden illness," the housekeeper reported as Adrian massaged his temples.

"She requests you come back home to see her."

"Okay, Giuseppe, I will make my way there soon," he finished, handing the phone back to Turner.

Going home seemed troublesome at that moment; Adrian still had pressing issues to resolve. Given the turn of events, however, he would attend to his mother first before continuing with business.

"Inform the airport to prepare for a flight to Italy by the end of the week," Adrian instructed. Turner nodded and immediately called the airport authorities.

At the mention of Turner's name, they immediately knew it was Mr. Cagliari and began making arrangements.

Turner also informed Mr. Cagliari's private security team in Italy, and they set off to prepare. Adrian briefly thought of Ashleigh, a fleeting image immediately pushed aside by the urgent matters of his company.

*****************

"We have arrived in Italy and are preparing to land. Please fasten your seat belts and stow your tray tables... thank you," the pilot's announcement rang through the speaker.

Adrian lifted his eye mask to peer through the window. Soon, they landed. A line of exquisite cars pulled up opposite the runway, and the security personnel emerged from each vehicle in twos, a total of six private guards.

They moved to where the plane had landed and stood by as the door opened and the stairs descended. Turner was first to alight, carrying Mr. Cagliari's work devices, which were collected by one of the security personnel. Adrian Cagliari stepped down next, dressed in a silk shirt and shorts.

On seeing him, they bowed accordingly, and he waved his hand dismissively. He turned to his secretary, who handed him his phone as they began walking. Once he entered the car, their journey to Sardinia began, taking an hour.

Turner looked at his boss, who sat opposite him in admiration. Prior to the overnight trip, Adrian had spent the entire day in the office sorting out contracts and could only spare a few hours before leaving. Turner admired his strong work ethic, a trait that defined his strictly professional persona and his firm management of staff.

Mr. Cagliari still had work to resolve in Italy, even with his mother and extended family to see.

The cars, following closely, weaved through the city to a private estate. Upon seeing Mr. Cagliari, the gates opened, and the drivers proceeded into the estate. At the Cagliari mansion, the extended family stood outside waiting for him, some eager, others less so. The gate opened further for the cars, and a BMW pulled up to where they stood. Adrian stepped out to see them; the eldest among them approached him.

"Adrian, we're glad to have you back home," his uncle spoke on behalf of the others, and Adrian nodded curtly.

The man was Adrian's paternal uncle Antonio. Although far older than Adrian, he still paid due respect to him as the head of the Cagliari family. He was accompanied by his wife and two children, as well as Adrian's Aunt Emilie and her family. They greeted him and inquired about his well-being as they ushered him inside.

"How is Mother's health?" Adrian asked Uncle Antonio as they made their way to her room.

The mansion was an elegant two-story building spanning 5,000 square feet. It boasted an in-built horse stable and racing track and was beautifully decorated with flowers, a massive garden, and a butterfly conservatory.

"She's been recuperating through the week, although she keeps insisting on seeing you," Antonio explained as they ascended to the first floor.

Each floor had eleven rooms with its own facilities. Adrian's mother stayed at the end of the hall. As they walked by, maids and butlers greeted them. Giuseppe, the head housekeeper, greeted Adrian calmly at the end of the hall.

"Madame has asked to see Master Adrian alone," he said, facing the other family members, who immediately left.

Giuseppe opened the door to reveal Adrian's mother sitting up in bed as nurses attended to her. She raised her eyes to see who had entered, and her features softened into happiness upon seeing her son. She beckoned him closer, which he did, hugging her tightly and kissing her on each cheek.

"So, I have to fall ill for you to come and see me?" she sulked, trying to evoke his emotions.

"I saw you three months ago... don't be dramatic," he replied firmly, making his mother pout more.

"Humph. Same difference, Adrian," she said, tapping his head lightly. Adrian looked at the nurse and asked about her progress.

"Madame Eleanor Cagliari has been under emotional stress, which caused her blood pressure to rise significantly in the past week. We have administered appropriate medications and encouraged her to pursue calm hobbies as she grows older," the nurse explained, to which Adrian nodded in agreement. He thanked them all and turned back to his mother.

"Shall we have lunch now, Mother?" he asked, and she nodded. He stood by the bed, allowing the nurses to assist his mother into the wheelchair.

He looked at his mother closely as she was being moved. She looked rather gaunt; most of her body fat had diminished, and her wrinkles were more prominent than before. He wondered what was troubling her so deeply.

The nurse informed him that they were ready to move, and they pushed her to the dining hall. They took the hallway beside her room, which had a built-in wheelchair ramp for easier movement. He had renovated the building to accommodate this design when his mother had developed mobility issues, ensuring her comfort and safety.

He had also entrusted Housekeeper Giuseppe to find a skilled professional caregiver for his mother, as she needed closer monitoring. They reached the dining hall on the first floor and entered. The family members stood upon seeing him enter. The nurses helped Eleanor get settled at the table, and they all began to eat.

Adrian sat at the head of the table, with his mother and uncle on either side. Beside his uncle sat his wife, Francesca Cagliari, and their two sons, Fernando and Pierre. Adrian's aunt Emilie sat beside his mother with her two daughters, Clarissa and Isabella Bernadette.

The table overflowed with decadent Italian dishes, desserts, and wine from the best vineyards in the city. Maids busily attended to the family members, serving dishes, refilling glasses, and running minor errands.

Adrian ate quietly, checking on his mother from time to time to ensure she was satisfied with the food and had everything she needed. His mother reassured him that she was fine, smiling as she looked at her son and her family together, despite the underlying tensions. It had been her husband's dream to keep the family united despite the difficulties, and she was proud to have raised her son to uphold those traditions.

The calm was soon interrupted by one of the butlers, who whispered to Housekeeper Giuseppe upon entering the room. Giuseppe then turned to the family and announced that guests had arrived for lunch. With Adrian's nod of approval, they walked in, to the delight of his mother and his aunt.

"The LaRosa family has come to give their personal regards to Master Adrian," Housekeeper Giuseppe stated as Mr. Simeon LaRosa, his wife, and their daughter walked in.

Adrian stood to greet Mr. Simeon LaRosa and his wife warmly, while their daughter went to greet his mother. Caelia LaRosa was striking; she had radiant skin, a set of round, expressive eyes, cherry lipstick accentuating her lips, and a light blush highlighting her rosy cheeks.

Her dress accentuated her elegant figure, and a delicate floral perfume lingered in her wake.

She was Simeon's only daughter, the pride and joy of his life, and had achieved much at just 21. Despite her accomplishments, she remained good-natured and humble.

Aunt Emilie couldn't help but smirk inwardly at the sight of Caelia, who was eager to show Adrian her close bond with his mother. Yet, beneath her seemingly perfect exterior and achievements, Caelia harbored her own aspirations.

"Caelia, my dear, how have you been?" Eleanor motioned for her to come closer, and Caelia knelt to face her.

"I'm fine, zia Eleanor. I only left for a short vacation, and I hear you're sick?" Caelia's calm, honeyed voice held a note of gentle reproach as she reached to cup Eleanor's face, her round eyes roaming over her with concern.

"Dear, don't frown now! You'll only spoil your beautiful face," Eleanor chided, using her hand to smooth Caelia's lips into a smile. Caelia laughed and stood up to see

Adrian at her side. She did a quick scan of his features and smiled afterwards.

"Adrian, it's been a while," she greeted him, and he nodded silently.

Internally, Caelia sighed. He was as distant as ever. Adrian gestured for the LaRosa family to join the meal, and they accepted cheerfully, taking seats beside Adrian's uncle.

Caelia chose to sit beside Clarissa and Isabella, as they were the same age and good friends. Lunch passed peacefully, and afterwards, they all retired to the common room for a more relaxed discussion.

Eleanor chose to sit with Caelia, her mother, and Emilie, while Adrian sat with his uncle and Mr. Simeon.

Clarissa, Isabella, Fernando, and Pierre went to the gazebo to talk.

Adrian discussed the upcoming collaboration between their families, emphasizing its importance as he might not have this opportunity to discuss it again soon. After they reached a reasonable conclusion, he called for Turner.

Caelia, however, kept stealing glances at him, waiting for the conversation to end. Once it was over, she looked to her mother, who offered a quiet nod of encouragement, and then she spoke up.

"Adrian," Caelia began, her voice soft but clear, "there's something I've been wanting to discuss with you privately."