Too busy

Chapter 23

Bruno’s POV

I stepped into the house and was immediately greeted by a familiar presence.

Miss Caterina stood near the entrance, just as she always did. She had been my grandfather’s housekeeper since I was a child. Over the years, she had become more than just a staff member to me. She was kind, patient, and always warm. I had grown fond of her without even realizing it.

“Welcome, Sir Bruno,” she said with her usual gentle smile.

“Thank you, Miss Caterina,” I replied. “How are you doing?”

“I’m very well, sir,” she answered politely.

I gave a small smile.

Even though she had watched me grow up, she still addressed me with respect and formality. That was how things worked in this house. My grandfather believed strongly in hierarchy and discipline. To him, respect was not optional—it was expected.

“Where is Grandfather?” I asked.

“He should be in his study,” she replied.

“Alright. Thank you,” I said before heading in that direction.

The hallway felt the same as always—quiet and almost too formal. Every step I took echoed slightly, reminding me of how strict this house had always been.

When I got to the study door, I paused for a moment before knocking.

“Come in,” his voice came from inside.

I opened the door and stepped in.

At first, my eyes went straight to my grandfather, seated behind his large desk, looking as commanding as ever. Age had done little to weaken his presence. He still carried himself with authority.

But then I noticed someone else in the room.

Herrick.

I stopped for a second.

He called Herrick too?

I didn’t expect that.

I walked in fully and gave a respectful bow.

“Good afternoon, Grandfather.”

“You finally decided to show up today, Bruno,” he said.

“I’m sorry, Grandfather. I was busy with work,” I replied.

“Too busy to visit your grandfather?” he asked, his tone calm but sharp.

“I’m sorry,” I said again.

There was no point trying to explain further. With him, explanations often sounded like excuses.

“Anyway… have your seat,” he said.

I nodded and sat down across from Herrick.

Herrick didn’t even look at me. He was leaning back slightly, scrolling through his phone like nothing else mattered. It was typical of him. Calm. Detached. Unbothered.

“Bruno,” my grandfather called.

“Yes, sir,” I responded.

“I believe it’s time for you to take over the Marshall Empire,” he said.

I looked up immediately.

At the same time, Herrick paused his scrolling.

For a brief second, there was silence.

“Why, Grandfather?” I asked. “Herrick is already handling things.”

“There is no official head of the company yet,” he replied. “And I intend to choose someone capable.”

Then he turned to Herrick.

“And as for you… perhaps when you finally learn responsibility, stop your endless clubbing, and settle down with a proper marriage, I might consider you fit for the position.”

Herrick didn’t react.

Not even slightly.

He just looked at him with the same unreadable expression. It was almost as if nothing my grandfather said affected him anymore.

I sighed quietly.

I already knew where this was going.

“If you cannot show any sign of responsibility,” my grandfather continued, “then perhaps you should hand everything over to your cousin.”

“Grandfather,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm, “Herrick should lead the company. Besides, I’m still learning. I only stepped into the business after leaving my baseball career.”

“And it has been five years,” he replied firmly. “Five years is more than enough time to understand how things work.”

I didn’t respond.

There was no point arguing. Once he made up his mind, it was almost impossible to change it.

“I want both of you to decide,” he continued. “When the time comes, I will see who is truly capable of leading.”

Then he leaned back in his chair.

That was his way of ending the discussion.

Herrick stood up first.

He gave a slight bow and walked out without saying a word.

I watched him for a second before standing up as well.

“Excuse me, Grandfather,” I said with a bow.

Then I left the study.

The moment I stepped out, I exhaled slowly.

This was exactly what I didn’t want.

It was obvious my grandfather wanted me to take over the company. But I wasn’t ready. Not mentally. Not physically.

Especially not now.

Herrick had already been handling things, even if it wasn’t official. And despite his lifestyle, I knew he was capable. He understood the business better than he let people see.

And me?

I was still trying to find my footing.

Still trying to balance everything.

Still dealing with my illness.

My cancer.

Even thinking about it made my chest feel tight.

I still didn’t know if I would survive it.

Some days, I felt strong.

Other days… not so much.

So how was I supposed to take on such a massive responsibility when I wasn’t even sure about my own future?

I let out a quiet sigh as I stepped outside.

And that was when I saw him.

Herrick.

He was leaning against my car, one hand tucked into his pocket. From the look on his face, I could tell he was holding back his anger.

We weren’t on good terms.

And we hadn’t been for a long time.

Not because of anything we did directly to each other, but because of our grandfather. The constant comparisons, the pressure, the expectations—it created a gap between us that only grew wider over time.

I never liked it.

But it was there.

I walked toward him anyway.

I needed to hear what he had to say.

As I got closer, he straightened up and looked at me. A small, arrogant smirk appeared on his lips.

“I’m sure you already know what the old man wants,” he said. “So stop pretending and just accept it.”

I scoffed.

“I should stop pretending? Really?” I asked.

“You heard me,” he replied coldly. “You’re his favorite. Just take the position. I don’t care.”

I frowned slightly.

“And I’m not going to change who I am just to please him,” he added. “I won’t suddenly become the perfect grandson he wants.”

There was a sharp edge to his voice.

Before I could respond, he turned and started walking away.

Just like that.

No room for discussion.

No interest in hearing my side.

I watched him leave, then shook my head slightly.

That was exactly what I expected from him.

I let out a small breath, then walked to my car and got in the back seat.

As I sat there, I leaned back against the seat and closed my eyes for a moment.

Everything felt complicated.

It was all too much at once.

Herrick thought I was pretending.

That I wanted the position.

But the truth was… I didn’t.

Not like this.

Not when I wasn’t even sure I had a future to build on.

I opened my eyes slowly and stared ahead.

For now… Herrick should lead the company.

That was the only thing that made sense to me.

As for every thing else…

I’ll deal with it one step at a time.

The driver started the engine and drove off. My thoughts are still heavy but my expression is calm.

No matter what happens next…

I just hope I’m strong enough to face it.