SIXTY TWO

Few hours later, the jet landed smoothly on Lucas' private airstrip in New York. Lucas and Olivia prepared to disembark. Lucas helped Olivia with her coat, they walked down the steps of the jet, hand in hand.

A fleek of sleek, black cars was waiting for them, their engines humming softly. Vincent stood at the front of the convoy, his usual composed expression breaking into a relieved smile when he saw them.

“Welcome back, Boss. Miss Olivia,” Vincent greeted, opening the car door for them.

“Thanks, Vincent,” Lucas replied nodding. He helped Olivia into the back seat before sliding on beside her, “It's good to be back.”

The men efficiently loaded their luggage into the trunks of the cars . As the convoy began to move, Olivia looked out of the window taking in the familiar sight of the city, “It feels like we’ve been away for years” she said softly.

Lucas smiled, his hand resting on her knee, “I’m glad we had that time away.”

Olivia leaned her head, her head on his shoulder, “Me too. It was perfect . I wish w could have stayed longer.”

Lucas kissed the top of her head. “We’ll go back. Whenever you want.”

The drive though the bustling streets of New York was smooth, the skyscrapers looked above them, and the lights painted the night sky with vibrant glow.

As they approached he'd Lucas's mansion , the atmosphere in the car, became more relaxed. The high gates of the mansion opened smoothly , and they drove up the long , winding driveway . The mansion stood tall and imposing.

The stepped out of the car, and Lucas’s men swiftly unloaded their luggage . Lucas took Olivia's hand,leading her up the grand steps of the mansion.

“Welcome back,” he said softly, looking into her eyes.

As they entered the mansion, the familiar warmth enveloped them , the staff greeted them warmly as Lucas walked by Olivia’s side, their footsteps echoing softly.

Miss Lucy approached them with a warm smile, “Welcome back Mr Moretti.Miss Olivia. How was your trip?”

“It was wonderful Miss Lucy,” Olivia replied, smiling back.

“Glad to hear that,” Miss Lucy said, “Let me help you with your things , Miss Olivia.”

Miss Lucy took Olivia's bags, and Olivia followed her upstairs. Lucas watched them go, a small smile playing on his lips . He appreciated Miss Lucy’s care and attention to detail , knowing that Olivia would be taken care of.

Lucas went straight to his study, feeling the weight of the responsibilities that had piled up during his absence. He knew he needed to attend to pressing issues as soon as possible . Vincent was already seated in front of him, waiting patiently.

Lucas sat down behind his desk his expression serious. “Vincent , is there anything I need to know since I was away?”

Vincent nodded, “Yes, boss. Dominique Santos wants to hold a business meeting with you.”

Lucas frowned, a hint of suspicion in his eyes, “I wondervwhatvthis business deal is about, he’s a very cunny person, we need to be on alert.”

“I agree,” Vincent said. “We should approach this with caution.”

Lucas leaned back in his chair, deep in thought, “Anything else?”

“Yes,” Vincent continued, There's a ball party coming up . It's for all the prominent people in and out of the city. It's an even where influential figures, business magnates, and high profile personalities will be attending. It's both a social and business event. It's important for us to make an appearance.” Vincent explained.

Lucas nodded, “Alright, we’ll need to make an appearance . It's important to keep up appearances and network.”

Vincent agreed, “Of course Boss, I'llake sure everything is arranged.”

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples, “Good. Let's handle this one step at a time.”

Vincent shifted slightly, a more serious tone entering his voice, “There’s one more thing boss, it's about Marco.”

Lucas's eyes narrowed, “What about him?”

“He’s in the hospital, his condition is bad. After you shot him, he had to undergo surgery. They inserted a metal rod in his leg . The doctors said he may not be able to walk properly again.” Vincent reported.

Lucas's expression was unreadable , but his eyes showed a glint of satisfaction. “Serves him right, maybe now he would think before coming after me or anyone I care about.”

Vincent nodded in agreement.”He’s a loose cannon boss, we need to be careful.”

Lucas nodded, his face stern, “We’ll keep an eye on him. But right now, he’s the least of our worries. Focus on important issues.”

Vincent stood up , ready to carry out his tasks, I’ll keep you updated on any developments.”

“Thanks, Vincent,” Lucas said, a hint of gratitude in his voice.

As Vincent left the study, Lucas added, “Vincent, you know I could have easily killed Marco. But I didn't. He’s blood, family. My father, before he died, always said finally comes first, no matter what I couldn't bring myself to end his life, despite everything.”


Vincent paused, nodding slowly, “I understand boss. You father’s word still holds a lot of weight. “

Lucas's expression hardened, “If Marco tried something funny again,I might end his life.”

Vincent left the study, leaving Lucas to his thought. Lucas allowed himself reflect for a moment, on the peaceful days of their vacation. He glanced at the clock , realizing how late it had become. The mansion was quiet and he knew Olivia was resting.

Lucas left his study, he walked through the halls towards his room, his mind was heavy with thoughts of the future . The mansion was quiet, the soft hum of air conditioning and the distant murmur of night staff attending to their duties.

Entering his room, he headed straight for the bathroom. The cool water from the shower helped to clear his mind. Few minutes later , he towelled off and changed into a comfortable nightwear., his body sinking into the plush mattress as he lay down.

As he turned at the ceiling his thought turned to Monica and Olivia. He believed that Marco wouldn't dare to attack again, with Massimo dead and Marco incapacitated , the immediate threat seemed to have diminished. It might be time to let Monica and Olivia return to their normal lives.