C3 Chapter 3

Adrian Cagliari stood at the top of the food chain of technology industries at 27 years old. He was one who had a keen eye for good innovations, he separated himself from the family business and built his dream company Tixton from the ground up. Tixton is now one of Cagliari’s major successful businesses, and he became a force in the making. Building and maintaining his family’s legacy requires a firm hand, so he was rather firm and disciplined, overseeing all matters both in Italy and America, as well as other branches in the world. He was domineering, assertive and principled, ensuring everyone was at the edge of their seats when working with him. It was like a curse and a reward.

As he discussed with the investors, his secretary and his personal assistant was outside mentally preparing himself to interrupt the meeting. Turner then walked into the spacious office with a phone in his hands. Pausing the call, he raised his eyes to his secretary who felt a chill run down his spine.

“I thought I was clear with my instructions” he bit out, making Mr.Turner shiver in his shoes.

“Boss, it’s a call from the house keeper at the mansion” Turner stuttered, stretching the phone with shaky hands. Adrian sighed, returned to the call to conclude the meeting and collected the phone from him.

“Speak" He commanded coldly.

“Master Adrian I called to inform you of your mother’s sudden illness” the housekeeper reported as Adrian massaged his temples.

“She requests you come back home to see her"

“Okay Giuseppe , I will make my way there soon" he finished, handing the phone back to Turner. Adrian still had some issues to sort out here so going home seems a bit troublesome at the moment. Seeing the turn of events, he would have to attend to his mother first before continuing on these matters.

“Inform the airport to prepare for a flight to Italy by the end of the week ” Turner nodded and made a call to the airport to speak with the authorities. At the mention of Turner’s name they immediate knew it was Mr Cagliari and began to make arrangements accordingly. Turner also informed Mr Cagliari’s private security team in Italy and they set off to prepare too. Mr Cagliari briefly thought of Ashleigh but that was immediately pushed aside by matters arising in the company.

“We have arrived at Italy and are preparing to land. Please fasten your seat belts and raise the tables... thank you" the pilot’s announcement rang through the speaker.

Adrian lifted his eye mask to peep through the window. In a while they had landed, a line of exquisite cars pulled up opposite the runway and the security personnel came down from each vehicle in twos making a total of six private personnel. They moved to where the plane landed and stood by as the door opened and the stairs came down, Turner was first to alight with Mr Cagliari’s work devices in hand which was collected by one of them; Adrian Cagliari was next to step down and he came out in a silk shirt and shorts.

On seeing him, they bowed accordingly and he waved his hand dismissingly, he turned to his secretary who handed his phone to him as they began walking. They began their journey to Sardinia once he entered the car and got there in an hour’s time. Turner looked at his boss who sat opposite him in admiration, prior to the overnight trip he had spent the day in the office sorting out matters concerning contracts and could only leave a few hours to the trip. He admired his strong work ethic, although he was a strictly professional person who held his staff with an iron hand. Mr Cagliari still had work he had to sort out in Italy despite seeing his mother and his extended family.

The cars, following closely behind one another, weaved through the city to a private estate. Upon seeing Mr. Cagliari, the gates opened, and the drivers proceeded into the estate. At the Cagliari mansion, the extended family stood outside waiting for him to arrive, some were eager while others were not. The gate was soon opened for the cars to come in and a BMW pulled up to where they stood. Adrian stepped out to see them, the eldest amongst them walked up to him.

“Adrian, we’re glad to have you back home" he spoke on behalf of the others and Adrian nodded curtly. The man was Adrian’s paternal uncle Antonio, although he was older than Adrian by far he still paid due respect to him as the head of the Cagliari family. He was accompanied by his wife and two children and Adrian’s Aunt Emilie and her family they all said a few greetings to him and asked for his well-being as they ushered him in.

“How is mother’s health?” He asked uncle Antonio as they made their way to her room. The mansion is an elegant two storey building spanning 5,000 square feet, it had an inbuilt horse stable and racing track, it was beautifully decorated with flowers and had a massive garden and a butterfly conservatory.

“she’s been recuperating through the week; although she keeps insisting on seeing you" he explained, as they made their way to the first floor. Each floor had eleven rooms with it’s own facilities. Adrian’s mother stays at the end of the hall, as they walked by they were greeted by maids and butlers. Giuseppe, the head housekeeper, greeted Adrian calmly at the end of the hall.

“Madame has asked to see Master Adrian alone" he said, facing the other family members and they left immediately. He opened the door to see his mother sitting up on the bed as the nurses

attended to her, she raised her eyes to meet see who entered and her features morphed into happiness on seeing her son. She beckoned for him to come over which she did and hugged him tightly, kissing him on each cheek.

“So I have to fall ill for you to come and see me" she sulked, trying to evoke his feelings.

“I met you three months ago as well.... don’t be dramatic" he replied firmly, making his mother sulk more.

“Humph. Same difference Adrian" she said, tapping his head lightly. Adrian looked at the nurse and asked her for the progress.

“Madame Eleanor Cagliari has been under emotional stress which made her blood pressure rise significantly in the past week. We have administered appropriate medications and encouraged her to try maintaining calm hobbies as she grows older" the nurse explained to which Adrian nodded in agreement. He thanked them all and turned back to his mother.

“Shall we have lunch now mother?" He asked his mother and she nodded. He stood by the bed, giving way for the nurses to assist his mother to the wheelchair.

He looked at his mother closely as she was being moved to the wheelchair: she looked rather gaunt and most of her body fat has diminished, wrinkles were more prominent than before and he wondered what she was thinking about that made her blood pressure rise so significantly. The nurse informed him that they were ready to move and they pushed her to the dining hall.

They took the hallway besides her room because it had a wheelchair ramp built-in for easier movement. He renovated the building to fit this design when his mother had developed orthodontic issues, to ensure that nothing will harm her. He also entrusted Housekeeper Giuseppe to look for a skilled professional help for his mother as she needed closer monitoring. They had gotten to the dining hall on the first floor and entered. The family members stood on seeing him enter the hall, the nurses helped her get settled on the table and they all began to eat.

Adrian sat at the head of the table while his mom and uncle sat besides him om each sides. Besides his uncle was his wife Francesca Cagliari and his two sons Fernando and Pierre while Adrian’s aunt Emilie sat besides his mother with her two days Clarissa and Isabella Bernadette. The table overflowed with decadent Italian dishes, desserts and wine from the best vineyards in the city, maids were busy attending to the family members by serving dishes, refilling glasses and running minor errands. Adrian ate quietly, checking on his mother from time to time if she was satisfied with the food or if she needed anything else to which the mother reassured him that she was okay. She smiled at her seeing her son and her family together, despite the internal friction. It was her husband’s dream to keep the family together despite the difficulties and she is proud to have trained her son to uphold those traditions.

The calm was soon interrupted by one of the butlers who whispered to Housekeeper Giuseppe upon entering the room. Giuseppe then turned to the family and announced that there were guests who had arrived for lunch. On Adrian’s approval, they walked in to the delight of his mother and his aunt.

“The LaRosa family has come to give their personal regards to Master Adrian” Housekeeper Giuseppe stated as the family of three walked in. Adrian stood up to greet the Mr Simeon LaRosa and his wife warmly, while the daughter went to greet his mother.

Caelia LaRosa was a sight to behold; she had skin with a set of round eyes, she had cherry lipstick on with a light blush to accent her rosy cheeks. She had a nice figure which was accentuated by the dress she wore today and a nice floral scent of perfume lingered as she walked by. She was Simeon's only daughter and his pride and joy; she has achieved so much at just 21 years old. Despite this she was good natured and humble at all times. Aunt Emilie couldn’t help but smirk inwardly at the sight of Caelia , who was eager to show Adrian her close bond with his mother. Despite her seemingly perfect appearance and accomplishments, Caelia, like all young women, harboured her own aspirations beyond her apparent perfection.

“Caelia my dear, how have you been" Eleanor motioned for her to come closer and she did, squatting to face her.

“I’m fine mother. Mother I only left for a short vacation and I hear you’re sick" her calm honey voice scolded, as she reached to hold her face. Caelia frowned in concern, her round eyes roaming Eleanor.

“Dear, don’t frown now! You’ll only spoil your beautiful face" she chided, using her hand to straighten Caelia’s lips into a smile. Caelia laughed and stood up to see Adrian at her side, she did a quick scam of his features and smiled afterwards.

“Adrian, it’s been a while" she greeted him and he nodded silently. She sighed within herself, up till now Adrian is still not as warm as she hoped. Adrian gestured for all of them to join the meal, and they accepted cheerfully, taking their seats besides Adrian’s uncle. Caelia chose to sit besides Clarissa and Isabella as they were the same age, and were good friends. Lunch went by peacefully and they all retired to the common room to have a more relaxed discussion.

Eleanor chose to sit with Caelia, her mother and her daughter while Adrian sat with his uncle and Mr Simeon. Clarissa, Isabella, Fernando and Pierre chose to stay at the gazebo while they discussed. Adrian discussed the upcoming collaboration between their families, this was very important as he may not have this time to sit and discuss in the nearest future. After they had come to a reasonable conclusion, he called for his secretary to come over.

Caelia however kept stealing glances at him, waiting for the conversation to be over. Once the conversation was over, she looked to her mom who encouraged her quietly and then she spoke up.

“Adrian, if it is okay I would like to have dinner with you sometime next week. Your mom told me you’re around for the week" she proposed, looking at him with a hint of eagerness in her eyes.

“Yes Adrian, I feel you guys should have lunch and catch up with each other. It’s been a while" Caelia’s mother spoke up, looking to Eleanor for support. Adrian looked at his mother who made a gesture to agree and then looked at his uncle who had a neutral stance.

“I apologize Caelia, I will not be able to join you for lunch. I have a lot of matters to settle here during the week” Caelia’s face reddened in embarrassment and she bit her lips.

“I will ask my secretary to arrange for an appointment for you, just tell him where you want to go" he added, signalling to his secretary who came forward. Caelia was about refusing but he gave no room for rebuttal, he stood up to leave. Eleanor placed her hand on her back encouraging her and she nodded obediently.

“I will discuss with him later" she whispered to her, and then told her to go play with the others. She stood up and greeted the rest before leaving to find Clarissa and Co.

Later in the night, on the second floor of the Cagliari mansion, Adrian was in his study attending to issues. Word of mouth had gone round about his arrival in Italy and sure enough, he was swarmed with various proposals, contracts reviews and diplomatic matters. Adrian Cagliari was currently holding a meeting with the executive staff of Cagliari industries from various sectors. He was accompanied by his trusty secretary Mr Turner.

The meeting went on till 11pm before coming to a close. He asked his secretary to retire for the evening and left to his room, he met his mother sitting in front of his room door in her wheelchair with a maid waiting for him.

“I want to have a word with you briefly" she told him, he reached to open the door for her to enter. His room was spacious and had a minimalist design, this was mostly because he was not around much and he instructed that no one was allowed to tamper with his personal belongings. Eleanor signalled that he sits on the bed but he refused, implying that the conversation should be brief.

“Since you’re like this, I might as well get to the point. I want you to get closer to Caelia. It was not very nice of you to turn down her invitation” Adrian stilled for a second, knowing where the conversation was heading to.

“Mother...” he tried but his mother silenced him

“I have allowed you do as you wished thus far, but I will not sit idly again. The LaRosa family has been your father’s great companion when he was alive and their daughter has been your childhood friend. This arrangement was bound to happen eventually, you should stop avoiding Caelia and start building a relationship with her" Eleanor chided her son. She regretted not getting the engagement fixed earlier; by now they should have a child running in the mansion. Caelia likes her son a lot so she feels that should be enough.

“Mother, I do not feel Caelia would be a suitable match for me. I don’t want to be unnecessarily burdened by my father’s promises. I think you should have your rest now” he concluded, gesturing for the maid to take her to rest. On their way out, they saw Turner rush into the room.

“What is it" he grunted out, changing into his night robe and getting ready for bed.

“Boss, I have more news about Ashleigh Hartman” he said, and proceeded to brief him about their findings. At the end

of his report, a spark of surprise flashed in Adrian’s eyes, followed by a low chuckle.

“Is that so?" He mused, strolling lazily to his window in thought. He then made a quick resolve and asked for Turner to contact his private lawyer.