CHAPTER SEVEN LUCA'S RETURN

The next morning, Luca's phone buzzed with a call from Mia.

"Some of the shareholders Mr. Roy met with last night are now looking for the chairman of Carson Group. They're probably discussing the upcoming shareholders' meeting," Mia informed him.

"So what's the issue?" Luca asked.

"Your father is fine now, but you know you've been the one handling the company. Don't you think it's time to return?" Mia pressed.

"Not yet," Luca replied firmly.

Mia sighed but moved on. "What about Rhea's boss? Have you taken care of him?"

"Yes, boss. He's been arrested, and he confessed. There's no way he's getting away with it," Mia assured him.

Luca's eyes darkened. "Mr. Roy and my brother Leo are working together. I'm certain Leo attended that secret meeting last night."

"Do you think he's the one behind the sabotage?" Mia asked cautiously.

Luca smirked. "If Leo knew I was alive, he wouldn't be this quiet. Someone else is pulling the strings."

Just then, Rhea's voice cut through the conversation.

"Who are you talking to?"

Luca turned to see Rhea standing behind him. He masked his expression quickly. "It's Mia," he said, hoping she hadn't overheard too much.

"What were you guys talking about?" she asked, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

"She was just checking up on me after last night's fight," he lied smoothly.

Rhea crossed her arms. "She really cares about you."

Luca chuckled. "I guess so."

Rhea huffed and turned away. "I have to get ready for work," she muttered before disappearing into her room.

Luca smiled to himself before refocusing on his call.

"It's not safe to talk over the phone. Let's meet in person," he instructed.

"Alright, boss. I'll book a hotel room and send you the address," Mia confirmed.

Luca nodded. "Good. See you there." He ended the call.

---

Later that day, Rhea received a package for delivery to a hotel. Coincidentally, it was the same hotel Mia had booked for the meeting.

When Rhea arrived at the hotel lobby, she was stunned to see Luca walking hastily towards one of the rooms. Curious, she followed him. But just as she was about to enter, a security guard blocked her path.

"I need to see the man who just went in," she demanded.

"You're not allowed inside," the guard replied stiffly.

"Why not?" she asked, frustration evident in her voice.

"Orders from the guest inside."

Before Rhea could argue, she spotted Mia walking freely into the same room. Mia hadn't noticed her, but the sight sent a jolt of disappointment through Rhea.

"Why would Mia and Luca be in the same hotel room?" she murmured, her heart sinking.

With a heavy heart, she turned and left.

---

Inside the room, Luca wasted no time.

"Did anyone see you?" he asked Mia.

"No, sir," she confirmed.

"What's the update on the shareholders' meeting?"

Mia handed him a file. "They're discussing replacing the CEO. Your father will be handing over the position to Leo Carson at tomorrow's meeting."

Luca's expression turned cold. He stood abruptly. "It's time to go home and surprise them."

Mia hesitated. "Should I inform Rhea? If you leave without saying anything, she'll worry."

Luca thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I'll handle it later."

---

That evening, Rhea returned home, her mind clouded with doubt. She sank onto the couch, replaying the scene at the hotel.

"Mia once told me that Luca saved her, and that's why she's loyal to him… But what if there's more to it?" she wondered.

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Luca.

"I have something to take care of. Once it's done, I'll come back for you."

She stared at the message, hesitating. She typed, "What's the matter?" but deleted it.

Then she typed, "Are you with Mia?" but erased it again.

Finally, she decided not to reply at all. She turned off her phone and let out a long sigh.

---

THE SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

The next morning, at Carson Group's headquarters, the boardroom was filled with shareholders. At the head of the table sat Mr. Alan Carson, his expression unreadable.

Leo stood and addressed the room.

"Good morning, everyone. I won't waste your time. Due to the unfortunate passing of my younger brother, Luca Carson, the company has been in turmoil. To restore stability, I have decided to take up the responsibility of CEO. Thank you all for your trust—I will lead Carson Group into a brighter future."

Applause filled the room. But Alan Carson remained silent, displeased. He doubted Leo could run the company as well as Luca had.

Just then, a voice cut through the chatter.

"I don't approve."

Gasps echoed as the doors swung open. Luca Carson strode in, alive and well.

"Luca?! He's back?"

Leo's face went pale.

Liam, their younger brother, grinned. "Big brother! You're alive!"

Even their father's expression softened. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Dad," Luca assured him.

Alan Carson smiled in relief before asking, "You just said you don't approve. Why?"

Luca stepped forward. "This deal will lose us millions. Not only is it a failed scheme, but it will also damage the company's reputation."

Leo scoffed. "That's ridiculous."

Alan Carson frowned. "Explain, Luca."

Luca turned to the shareholders. "The land Leo is planning to develop is in the east region, near a heavy metal factory. Every winter, toxic gases from the factory drift into that area. If we proceed, our project will be a failure."

Murmurs spread through the room.

Alan Carson flipped through Leo's report. "Leo, why does your proposal leave this out?"

Leo's face darkened. "Luca is lying!"

Luca smirked. "What a coincidence—I have proof."

Mia stepped forward and handed Alan a file. "Mr. Luca previously assessed that land for a logistics warehouse. His report covers environmental risks over a hundred-mile radius."

Alan scanned the report. His eyes narrowed.

"Leo… explain this."

Leo clenched his fists. "Father, don't believe him!"

Alan slammed the file onto the table. "You're not fit to lead this company."

One by one, the shareholders withdrew their support.

Alan sighed. "This meeting is over."

As the room emptied, Leo turned on Luca.

"You did this on purpose—to humiliate me!" he hissed.

Luca smirked. "Yes i did

Leo becomes enraged and try to hit luca but liam stops him. "Calm down brother, we're one family, he is still your brother" liam says as he tries to calm him down.

"Enough" Mr Alan says.

Mr Alan walks over to luca,

"But what have you been doing all this time?" Mr. Alan asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Luca. "Why wasn't there any news about you being alive?"

"I had things to take care of," Luca replied calmly.

Mr. Alan's brow furrowed. "And what could be more important than the company at this moment, Luca?"

Before Luca could answer, Liam stepped in. "Dad, let's not bombard him with questions right now. The important thing is that my big brother is safe and back with us."

He turned to the room. "Now that he's here, the CEO position is still—"

"Shut your mouth." Leo's voice cut through the air, filled with barely contained rage.

Luca smirked at his younger brother's outburst.

Mr. Alan sighed. "We'll put the decision on hold for now. Luca, you need to rest and recover."

Luca nodded. "Alright, Dad."

As the tension in the room lingered, Mr. Alan walked up to Leo, lowering his voice so only he could hear.

"Leo, I know what you've been doing in secret with the old shareholders behind my back."

Leo stiffened, eyes widening in shock.

Mr. Alan's tone remained firm. "So, you'd better behave yourself. Suit yourself."

Luca turned to leave, but Leo suddenly blocked his path.

"You think you've won?" Leo sneered. "You're no different from me now. We're both vice presidents. It's still unclear who will come out on top."

Luca chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Leo, you're no match for me."

Leo's jaw clenched. "Do you despise me that much?"

Luca's gaze darkened. "It's not about who the heir is. I just refuse to let the company fall into your hands."

Leo let out a cold laugh. "So, what? You're going to take me down?"

His smirk widened as he took a step closer. "This is all about that girl, isn't it? Rhea?"

Luca's expression faltered for the first time, his muscles tensing.

Leo caught the reaction and pressed further. "You actually care about her, don't you?"

Luca's voice was dangerously low. "Stay away from Rhea."

Leo tilted his head mockingly. "Why should I? Did you forget? I've been taking things from you since we were kids. Ruining what you love. This time won't be any different."

His smirk deepened. "I'll find her. And I'll make sure she's mine."

With that, Leo turned and walked away, leaving Luca standing there, his fists clenched in fury.

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