Chapter 92

The drive back to the Cagliari mansion was silent, but Adrian's mind was anything but that. Megan's words echoed in his mind, chipping at his indifference. Now, he fully understood how isolated Ashleigh had been at Robin College. Megan's confession about her indifference stung, but he held back his anger- out of respect for Alexander, yes, but also because he knew that the main fault was with him. Ashleigh won't be so affected by Megan's treatment if he had been by her side. The realization gnawed at him.  The car pulled into the driveway and he stepped out with purposeful strides. Mr Atkinson approached him with a slight bow, and he nodded in acknowledgement. "Welcome home sir. Any instructions for this evening? Will you be having dinner?" Adrian shook his head, replying curtly. "I won't be having dinner tonight. I don't want to be disturbed." Mr. Atkinson nodded but hesitated before speaking again. "Sir, should I inform the kitchen about Mrs. Cagliari's return tomorrow morning as well?" Adrian stilled. "Tomorrow morning?" "Yes sir. She told me to inform you she will need more time to discuss with her aunt after the sleepover, so she will be returning tomorrow morning instead." His brows furrowed. "Why didn't she tell me herself?" Adrian pulled out his phone as he walked to his study. Ashleigh's messages were still there, he had not responded to them. He put off replying, telling himself he would do so later. Now, in the light of the information he learned, it's better he takes time to think. As he entered the study, he felt his phone buzz, and pulled it out with slight hope it was ashleigh.  Instead, his mother's name flashed across it. She rarely called him personally, especially not at this hour. The only reason that would make her call would be because of something..... or someone important to her. His jaw tensed as he answered. "Good evening Mother." "Good evening Adrian, are you well?" Her voice came through smoothly, but he could tell she wasn't pleased. "I'm well Mother. Is there an issue?" he asked,settling down at his desk. "I have been trying to reach you several times over the past few days." she started, "but your assistant keeps telling me that he will pass the message along." Adrian was well aware, but he feigned mild surprise. "I've been quite busy Mother," "Not too busy to ignore your family, Adrian." she snapped, "I have been meaning to speak with you concerning the LaRosa family." Adrian's hand tightened on the phone. "Of course" "What about them, Mother?" his asked dismissively,  he already knew where this was going. "Caelia visited this evening," she continued, and Adrain sighed. "The poor girl was in tears as she narrated how you treated her and her family at her wine launch."  "Of course she was" he muttered, but it was loud enough for her to hear. "So it is true then, Adrian? You humiliated Mr. LaRosa publicly?." she questioned angrily. His grip on the pen tightened. "Mr. LaRosa is playing games with the deal my father set with him. He knows very well that I keep business and personal matters separate." His mother sighed. "Does that mean you behave recklessly? He has every right to be upset over the way you distance yourself from his daughter." Adrian let out a humourless laugh "I never promised him anything." "But there was an understanding between him and your late father Adrian. And you must uphold it." His jaw ticked at her words, but she continued.  "My son, you are at the peak of your industry, and you need someone suitable by your side. Caelia is accomplished, understands you and your world, and–" "And?" he cut in, voice cold. "And you haven't introduced us to anyone else for years. So what's holding you back?" she asked softly. A name surfaced in his mind and lingered on his tongue, it was the only answer the felt right. But saying it aloud would make his feelings real..... and reality had consequences he couldn't afford with what's at stake. So he said nothing instead. "Nothing much" he whispered, and his mother sighed as if he confirmed her thoughts. "Then by your next visit, you will visit the LaRosa family and fix the damage you've done." she instructed. Adrian clenched his teeth. "Fine." "But do inform Mr. LaRosa that I won't tolerate further hesitation from his side either." This time, he ended the call before she could say more. Adrian settled the phone on his table slowly, then ran his hand through his hair. His mother did not know that the LaRosa were not as simple as they seemed...., especially Caelia. The fact that she managed to manipulate his mother into interfering more meant that she wanted his mother to tighten the noose. To force him to a position where backing down won't be an option. He wasn't about to let that happen. The phone buzzed on the desk again, and he glanced at it in irritation, assuming it was his mother with more to say. On seeing the message, his irritation vanished. Unknown: Congratulations Mr. Cagliari! Soon to be engaged while secretly married? Does Ashleigh know yet? Or should I finally introduce myself and tell her? Adrian's gaze darkened. He was barely processing the first message when a second one arrived. Unknown: Ashleigh is about to return to College thanks to you.... that means I can walk up to her anytime. Who knows? I might be the man she has been waiting for. After all, L'eco del perduto risuona solo nel vuoto. (The echo of the lost resounds only in the void.) His eyes zeroed on the initials LMN below, and his fingers curled into a fist. A sharp crack filled the room as he hurled his phone to the wall, scattering into pieces on the floor. The door creaked open, and Mr. Atkinson stepped inside cautiously.  "Is there any problem sir?" he asked. Adrian's voice was eerily calm, his expression blank. "Put Turner on the line."  Mr. Atkinson nodded and disappeared, returning minutes later with another phone. Adrian took it, bringing it to his ear. "Have the team assemble immediately."