Chapter 10

"So, La Russo Enterprises is involved in a lot of things. Our main areas are real estate, investments, and luxury goods. The company has its hands on properties all over the city; hotels, commercial buildings, high-end condos, you name it. We also have a stake in several major ventures globally, and we manage a few private equity funds," Miguel said.

 Luca's eyes widened as he tried to digest everything Miguel was saying. 

 "That sounds... complicated," he muttered.

 Miguel chuckled. "It could be. But it's all about delegation. We have managers in charge of each division, and they report to the board of directors. The CEO, you, now, oversees everything, makes the big decisions, and handles the public face of the company. You don't have to know how to do every single thing. That's what the team is for."

 Luca sat back, his mind racing. "But what about you?" he asked, his voice hesitant. "You've been handling all this, right? You seem... I don't know, more experienced with it. I don't even know the first thing about running a business."

 "Yeah, I've been handling things while you were... well, gone. But this was always meant to be yours. Uncle made that clear before he passed. I'm just holding down the fort. The real test is whether you can step in and take charge."

 . "And what happens if I can't?" he asked quietly.

 "If you don't step up, the company goes to me. That's how the will was structured. But Luca, this is your birthright. I'm not gunning for it, and neither is anyone else."

 Luca was silent, as she stared at the table. "I don't know if I'm cut out for this," he confessed. "You seem to have all the skills, all the knowledge... I've just been trying to survive."

 Miguel smiled, placing a hand on Luca's shoulder. "That's where you're wrong, cousin. Surviving is a skill. You've already proven you're tougher than most people out there. All you have to do now is apply that strength to the business. You've got a family to help you along the way."

 They finished their meal, and after some more small talk, Miguel paid the bill. The two of them left the restaurant, heading back to the mansion in silence. When they arrived, Miguel turned to Luca with a grin. 

 "I'm going to crash," he said. "But we'll talk more tomorrow. You've got a lot to learn, but I have a feeling you'll do just fine."

 Luca nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Miguel. I'll see you tomorrow."

 As Miguel headed to his room, Luca found his way down the hall toward his sister's room. He knocked lightly on the door before entering. 

 Rosa was sitting up in her bed, when he stepped in.

 "Hey," Luca said, sitting on the edge of her bed. "How are you feeling?"

 "You don't always have to ask ," Rosa replied softly. "You know that I'm fine, right."

 "Is it wrong for me to ask?"

 "No, I'm glad you're there." Rosa said quickly. "So how did you and Miguel's outing go?"

 Luca sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Rosa. This is all... it's too much. Miguel just explained everything about the company, and it sounded like a completely different world. I don't think I can do it."

 Rosa frowned, reaching out to take his hand. "What do you mean?"

 "I'm not like Miguel," Luca continued, his voice filled with frustration. "He knows how to handle all of this. He's been doing it for years. Me? I barely know how to balance a checkbook. How am I supposed to run a company?"

 Rosa squeezed his hand, her expression serious. "Luca, you've been through more than most people could even imagine. You survived things that would break anyone else. Don't sell yourself short. You have more strength than you realize."

 Luca shook his head. "But I don't have the skills—"

 "You can learn," Rosa interrupted. "Miguel didn't know everything when he started, either. He had to learn, just like you would. And you won't be alone. You'll have me, you'll have Miguel, and you'll have the team at the company. We're all here for you."

 Luca was quiet for a moment, taking in her words. "I just don't want to fail," he admitted softly.

 "You won't," Rosa said firmly. "I believe in you, Luca. And I know Dad did too. He wouldn't have left everything to you if he didn't think you could handle it."

 Luca looked into his sister's eyes, feeling hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, he could do that.

 "Thanks, Rosa," he whispered, squeezing her hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

 "You'll never have to find out," she replied with a smile. "Now go get some rest. You've got a big day tomorrow." 

 Luca smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead before standing up. "Goodnight, Rosa."

 "Goodnight, Luca," she replied softly as he left the room.

 As Luca walked toward the room, he had a beeping sound from his phone. He pulled his phone out swiftly, and the minute his eyes landed on the message, it widened.

 This can't be!" he exclaimed out loud, startling the maid that was passing by.

 "Sorry." He whispered before putting his eyes back on his phone.

 "This is horrible!" He exclaimed once again instead of heading in the direction of his room. He walked back to Rosa's room, opening the door roughly.

 "Luca!" Rosa gasped, shocked by his arrival.

 "You need to see this." He exclaimed, positioning him on the bed. The minute Rosa's eyes landed on his phone screen she gasped.

 "This is bad!" She said. "Really, really bad."