Your prized heir

Without a word, Carlo led Maria down the hallway, his stride steady, his hands clasped behind his back.

She walked beside him, her pulse quickening as the silence settled between them. She stole a glance at her grandfather, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that he was taking her to lunch... just the two of them.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and they stepped inside. The silence stretched on, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable.

Still, Maria couldn’t help but wonder what this was really about. Was there an ulterior motive, or was her grandfather genuinely trying to spend time with her? She pushed the thought away, focusing on the moment.

As the elevator descended, the polished steel doors reflected their stillness. Carlo’s expression remained as unreadable as ever, but Maria’s heart swelled a little, being this close to him.

When the elevator finally opened into the front lobby of the company, the usual hum of activity greeted them.

News about her getting th