Ambitious

Two days later

The taxi arrived at the huge gate of the luxurious Rossi family estate, and Rene sat by Parblo, rubbing his sweaty palms against his trousers. The grand gates loomed ahead, flanked by meticulously manicured hedges and towering trees. 

"We are here." The driver announced their arrival, and Rene could feel his heart pounding as they came to a stop.

Parblo glanced at him, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and encouragement. "Remember, Theo, stay calm and follow my lead. Everything will be fine."

Rene nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to steady his nerves. He knew this moment was crucial. The plan they had meticulously crafted hinged on his ability to convincingly assume the identity of Kia Flores. 

The gates opened smoothly, and the taxi rolled through, making its way up the winding driveway toward the grand entrance of the Rossi mansion. As they approached, the full scale of the estate came into view – a sprawling, opulent building with a façade of gleaming white stone and expansive windows that glittered in the sunlight.

The taxi came to a halt at the front steps, and a butler in a crisp suit promptly appeared, opening the door for Parblo and Rene. "Welcome to the Rossi estate," he said, his voice polished and professional. "Mr. Rossi is expecting you."

Parblo nodded in acknowledgment, stepping out of the taxi and motioning for Rene to follow. "Thank you," he replied, his tone formal. "Please lead the way."

As they walked up the steps and into the grand foyer, Rene couldn't help but be awed by the sheer elegance of the interior even though it was nothing like the Fords' grand estate. Marble floors stretched out beneath them, adorned with intricate mosaics, while crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, inviting glow. The air was filled with the subtle scent of fresh flowers, adding to the atmosphere of refined luxury.

They were led through the mansion, passing by rooms filled with expensive furnishings and artworks that spoke of the Rossi family's immense wealth and taste. Finally, they were brought to a large sitting room where a group of people was already gathered, their conversations pausing as Parblo and Rene entered.

At the center of the room stood Carlo Rossi, a tall man with an imposing presence. His silver hair and sharp features gave him a distinguished air, and his eyes, though cold, held a shrewd intelligence that missed nothing. Beside him was his wife, Isabella, whose elegance and poise were evident in every gesture. Around them were other members of the family, each exuding an air of confidence and importance.

"Parblo, you are here. I must say, “It’s rather disappointing to see you. Resorting to these kinds of arrangements for money and status... truly beneath us." Carlo said, his voice carrying a tone of authority mixed with a hint of condescension. "And this must be your son, Kia."

Rene stepped forward, his heart racing with a mix of nervousness and slight annoyance. He bowed his head slightly in greeting, his voice steady as he addressed Carlo Rossi, "Yes, Mr. Rossi. It's an honor to meet you and your family."

For a tense moment, Carlo's gaze lingered on Rene for a moment, assessing him with a look that made Rene feel exposed and vulnerable. 

"I'm hoping you are not as ambitious as your father," Carlo remarked, his tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

Biting back his argument, Rene swallowed hard, meeting Carlo's piercing eyes with as much composure as he could muster. "No, Mr. Rossi. I am here solely to serve the Rossi's family."

Scoffing, Carlo's lips curled into a thin smile, devoid of warmth. "Good. Ambition has its place, but not here. Remember that."

Just then, Madam Isabella Rossi, standing gracefully beside her husband, spoke next, her tone measured but unmistakably dismissive. "It's commendable that Parblo found a solution to his family’s... predicament. However, let's not delude ourselves. You may wear the title, but you will never truly be one of us."

Rene nodded, his jaw tightening. The weight of their words settled heavily on his shoulders, a reminder of the tenuous ground he stood upon.

The other members of the Rossi family watched on, their expressions ranging from mild interest to thinly veiled disdain. Isabella Rossi, elegant and poised, regarded Rene with a cool detachment, her eyes assessing him as if he were a mere curiosity. 

Suddenly, Carlo turned to his eldest son, Antonio, a man whose sharp features mirrored his father's and lacked the warmth just as Carlo's gaze. 

"Antonio, what do you make of this young man?" Carlo asked, his voice carrying a note of authority.

Antonio's lip curled slightly in disdain as he studied Rene. "He looks like a commoner, Father. I highly doubt he has anything to offer our family," he replied, his tone dismissive and arrogant.

Next to Antonio stood Bianca Rossi, Carlo's elder granddaughter, her beauty striking yet marred by a haughty demeanor. She arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow as she looked Rene up and down, a smirk playing on her lips. "He seems more suited to be a servant than a suitor, don't you think, father?" Bianca remarked, her voice dripping with condescension.

The youngest grandson, Luca, regarded Rene with a bored expression as if the whole situation held no interest for him. He leaned against a nearby table, idly flipping through his phone, clearly disinterested in the proceedings. But then he finally looked up, mumbling, "Is this really worth Maria? Can't we just get a different land instead of staining our family's reputation with a peasant boy? I mean… seriously, who do they think they are anyway to make demands on our family?"

Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching caught everyone's attention. They turned to look at the entryway except Rene, but then he heard a voice that was engraved in his brain like a nightmare, "Are we late?"

Immediately, Rene turned around to see Layla hugged in the arm of Jason as the two entered the living room, and immediately, the atmosphere in the room shifted. 

"Theo?" Layla blurted out, her brows furrowing as she stared at Rene.