Lorenzo leaned back in his car seat, chuckling as he answered his phone. "I know you're dying for an update, Mom, but if you keep calling like this, our phones won't survive."
A protesting sigh filtered through the receiver. "I had to reach out to Maxwell because you weren't answering my calls. That's not fair, son." Margaret, his mother whined.
"That's because your plan backfired. She said I wasn't her type, and I got kicked out of the party before it even started." Lorenzo replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
A dramatic gasp echoed in his ear. He could almost picture his mom's shocked expression, making him stifle a laugh. She had jumped at the chance to set him up with Michelle's granddaughter, promising the old woman he'd be available-without even consulting him first.
Regardless, he had agreed–guilt-tripped by the woman, who worried that he would die single if he didn't start mingling. She had even sent his sister, Genevieve, to ensure he didn't escape. Not that it mattered to Lorenzo–he had no problem with the idea of dying single. After all, he had several women at his beck and call to satisfy his desires whenever he wished. But those times were rare.
Margaret had forced Lorenzo into countless blind dates, but he never fancied the women—except for the rare few he slept with before discarding them. Sometimes, he even had his best friend, Carlton Cohen, stand in for him. The downside? Carl never shut up about how good or terrible the women were in bed, even if the details were anything but pleasant. And many times, Lorenzo had no choice but to listen, as a "thank you" for standing in for him.
But this particular night had changed everything for Lorenzo. His plan had been simple–attend the party, spend a minute with the lady in question, and leave. Fate, however, had other plans, and he couldn't help but feel relieved he had decided to go in person after all.
It turned out to be her. Ashley Flynn. The only woman who had ever made his heart stir. Running into her at Novaspire Hospital had only worsened the torment he'd suffered throughout the years they were apart.
Margaret's voice snapped him back to the present. "I just found out that you're lying to me again. You better visit me soon, and give me a proper briefing. I'm not going to die without having anyone to call me grandma."
Lorenzo laughed at her last statement. "You're forgetting I'm not your only child mom." he mused. "Genevieve is there squandering my wealth, and no one bothers her about producing grandkids."
"Genevieve's your kid sister. Don't make me smack your head from here." Margaret warned him.
Lorenzo laughed again at her threat, making Margaret really wish she could smack her son's head that instant.
"Get some rest like the doctor instructed, Mom. I need to go now. Iloveyoubye." he blurted, in his haste to end the call, as though it were one word.
"At least pay me a visit. I haven't seen you in ages..." Her voice softened, but her stubborn son had already ended the call before she could finish.
Margaret stared at the phone in defeat and hissed. "I think I need to find him a therapist to teach him the horror of dying alone. I just don't understand what's wrong with kids these days," she lamented, making her way back to the kitchen to finish her pasta.
A smile still tugged at the corner of Lorenzo's lips as he thought of his mom. Her drama was exhausting, but it entertained him nonetheless. He remembered personally taking her home from the hospital after her discharge a week ago. They had spent a few days together before he left, his work demanding his attention. Yet, she acted as if they hadn't seen each other in months.
Exhausted, he tossed his phone aside and rested his head against the backrest.
As they drove home, his thoughts drifted back to Ashley–and then to Christian Harrington, the man who had caused him so much pain.
So many questions swirled in his mind. How had Ashley ended up with him? He doubted she'd be willing to answer any of them. He had no choice but to find out everything on his own. At least there was a small relief: she had no children with Christian, which would've complicated things.
Lorenzo had heard about Christian's marriage the same year he was thrown behind bars, always assuming it had been to Kayla Beckett. But now, he knew better.
Shaking off his thoughts, he reached for his phone and dialed a number. "Develop strategies to take over the Beverly road construction." he ordered the person on the other end, the minute the call connected.
"Yes sir." A deep voice replied without hesitation.
Lorenzo loosened his tie, gaze distant as he gave the final command. "Once it's done, have Grey Group handle the deal. They have better resources to execute it efficiently."
Grey Group was a powerhouse in Nova City. As a holding company, it controlled major industries—real estate, shipping, hotels, and construction—making waves in the business world year after year. Despite the anonymity of its true owner, businessmen fought tooth and nail for any opportunity to secure a stake in the company whenever one arose.
"Understood," the voice responded. "I'll make the necessary arrangements."
"Good. Keep me updated."
Lorenzo ended the call, a small smirk tugging at his lips. He didn't need to say much—his team knew exactly what to do. That was one of the reasons he paid them more than any other company.
Upon arriving home, Lorenzo stepped out of the car and turned to Maxwell. "You can take tomorrow off. I'll spend the day with Bryan, so I won't be going to the office."
Maxwell nodded, bidding him goodnight as Lorenzo headed inside.
The moment the automatic front door slid open, an ecstatic small voice rang through the air. "Uncle Lorenzo is back!"
Bryan rushed toward Lorenzo, crashing into his legs.