LORENZO'S POV
Lorenzo sat at the desk and gazed at his laptop's screen. He wasn't actually working on Rossi e Moretti's proposal. He didn't have to. All he needed was something to occupy him and divert his attention from Elena's incessant divorce-related chatter. Last night, she had brought it up once more, and it was bothering him.
Before they were married, Elena wasn't like this. She used to be composed, wise, and capable of handling any situation. Now, though? She had changed. She seemed to get upset over everything, and that dumb dinner was the most recent. In front of their friends, she had thrown a fit and made a scene. For what purpose? because he had been speaking with Giulia, a friend from his youth whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
What was wrong with her?
Lorenzo was unable to comprehend it. Sure, he had gotten busier after the wedding. His company had grown so much—Rossi e Moretti was worth billions now—but he was doing this for her. He desired for her to be at ease and free from financial concerns.
But why was she so irrational? She accused him of ignoring her, but why?
With a sigh, he combed his hair. He tried to come up with solutions. He was aware that he wasn't very good at communicating his emotions, but he would still go to marriage counseling if she was sincere about it. He would stop at nothing to ensure her happiness. However, the more he considered it, the more he questioned whether he truly understood her desires.
Then there was Giulia. Why was she so hated by Elena? Giulia was merely a companion. Years before, when she had rescued him from bullies at the beach, he had given her that seashell bracelet. Before Elena began bringing it up and accusing him of more, he had never given it much thought.
Giulia, however, recognized him. She never put too much pressure on him or made him feel bad about being busy. When he needed it, she had even assisted him with some business-related matters. However, Elena always seemed to start arguments about nothing. Perhaps all she wanted was his undivided attention. But he was unable to give it to her because of everything that was going on at work.
He looked at the door and thought that perhaps tonight would be the night he made it right. She might put the divorce conversation out of her mind if he made things nice in bed. But she still hadn't come to their room. He would likely be by himself tonight.
He looked at the clock. It was a busy day tomorrow. He needed to see his mother and had a crucial meeting. Elena's issues would have to wait.
***
Lorenzo drove to his mother's estate the following day. He was always in awe as he pulled into the driveway. The enormous space was a real showcase for their family's wealth. The long cobblestone driveway led to the grand entrance, and the gardens were immaculately kept. The grounds were dotted with fountains and sculptures that gave the impression that they were from a magazine.
He ran into his uncle Riccardo just as he was ready to go inside. Lorenzo nodded and said, "Uncle Riccardo." "Is Mom in here?"
With a fake smile, Riccardo said, "Hey, Lorenzo." " Yeah, she's inside. But I need to go. Some pressing matters.
"Are you certain you don't want to stay for brunch?" Lorenzo inquired.
Riccardo looked at his watch and replied, "Thanks, I'm fine." "I can't stay."
Lorenzo's eyebrow went up. "What's the hurry?"
Riccardo looked away. "Lorenzo, you must take care of your family. You ought to concentrate on them.
His family? What topic was Riccardo discussing? He scowled. "You are aware that Mom considers you to be her favorite brother?"
"Half-brother," Riccardo corrected him, grinning. "Thanks, though; I really appreciate that."
Lorenzo waved him away and said, "See you later." There was no use in pressuring Riccardo to stay. The man was constantly occupied with Onda Profonda Industries, his own business. Riccardo was already a billionaire, while Lorenzo was working hard to become one.
Lorenzo saw Riccardo leave in his Ferrari without ever turning around. It disturbed him in some way. Riccardo had always been a little aloof, but today was different. Why was he avoiding him?
Lorenzo's thoughts kept straying. He had interrupted Riccardo and Elena eating dinner the previous evening. Elena had appeared to be content. She'd been smiling, something she hadn't done in weeks. And she had laughed in that way because of something Riccardo had said.
It hurt.
Lorenzo's fist clenched. The idea of Riccardo making Elena smile like that made him laugh, even though it wasn't like he didn't trust her. He was more bothered by it than he wanted to acknowledge.
What was it that Riccardo knew that Lorenzo didn't?
But then, something else clicked in his mind. For weeks, Elena had been bringing up the subject of divorce. Was she trying to trick him?
Perhaps she was merely attempting to make him feel bad and persuade him to stay. Or worse—maybe she was trying to get a payout. He had heard tales of people utilizing divorce as a means of obtaining a substantial settlement. She could take home between $100 and $300 million, he calculated.
He didn't like it.
Despite his mother's constant warnings about Elena, he had stood up for her. Now, though? Now that his business was doing well and everything was falling into place, he had to ask himself if Elena was truly just waiting for the right time to end her marriage and receive her settlement.
The more he considered it, the more it made sense, even though he didn't want to believe it.
Okay, if she wanted a divorce. He would comply. He wasn't going to make it simple for her, though. If she thought she could just walk away with his money, she had another thing coming.
Leaning back against the car, Lorenzo let his mind wander. He could play it cool, and maybe Elena would realize what she was losing. Now he could imagine her crawling back to him and pleading for another chance.
He smiled at that thought.