Chapter 47 Lorenzo
“ A re my eyes deceiving me?” Amos asks, amused. “You’re blessing us with your presence?”
My jaw ticks at the tone of his smug voice, but I simply nod and take a seat without a word. These past few weeks, I’ve been really trying to get my life together, to fix everything before I go get my girl back.
Against all odds, Sophia Evans, the woman who completely flipped my world upside down, the one I’ve fallen deeply in love with, belongs with me. Even when I don’t feel like a fraction of what she deserves yet, I’m working on it. It took a lot of self-reflection to realize all she needs is someone true to themself.
So here I am, taking the steps necessary to become the man she deserves.
The meeting goes by in a blur with more of the same talk—stricter acceptance guidelines and planning for the annual gala they throw for new members. Once we’re finished, before they can call the meeting, I stand, clearing my throat. “Gentlemen, may I have a word?”
They exchange glances, frowning. Amos nods for me to continue.
“I’ve decided to resign as vice president, effective immediately,” I say, keeping it direct. “I’m sure this comes as a surprise to some of you. You all worked with my father, and you know how proud he was of this place.” I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat. “He trained me for this life from the moment I could walk. And I’ve tried to honor that. God knows I’ve tried.” I let out a humorless laugh, shaking my head. “But I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending this is what I want. I’m not doing any of you a favor by sticking around.”
I look around the room, meeting each of their gazes. “I know I’ve been a pain in the ass to work with, and that’s because I never wanted this life. It was forced on me. I’ll help with anything you need to make this transition as smooth as possible, but I’m done. This is it for me.”
The room is silent for a long beat, and I feel the weight finally lift off my shoulders. This has been long overdue, walking away from the legacy, the name—it’s time. Someone else can carry it forward. I’ve spent years chasing my father’s approval, and I did my best, but the fact is he’s gone, and it’s time I start living my own life.
Amos finally speaks, nodding slowly, “I think I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your honesty and knowing when to step down.” He pauses, glancing around. “As you know, the guidelines state you can choose a successor, ideally from your family line. Do you have anyone in mind?”
I nod. “I believe you all know my cousin, Nico Mancini.”
Amos raises his eyebrows, surprised. “Doesn’t he live in New York? ”
“He does,” I confirm. “But he’s got some business in Chicago now, so he’ll be going back and forth. And honestly, Nico would be a great addition to this place.”
Nico Mancini is a force to be reckoned with. He’s fought for everything he’s got, and I know Vortex could use someone like him. He grew up under the shadow of impossible expectations from my uncle. The pressure has only made him stronger. Nico thrives in this cutthroat business world, in the ruthless tactics Vortex embodies. He’s always belonged in a place like this.
Right now, he’s in the middle of a battle for the CEO position of Imperium Press , competing with his older siblings. Landing a position here could tip the scales in his favor, proving to our uncle he’s the right one to take over the largest newspaper company in the country. Nico knows how to maneuver through these circles better than anyone I’ve met, and that’s exactly why I know he’s the change Vortex needs.
He’s also helped me achieve something only a man like him could pull off, so I owe him. But I was going to offer it to him anyway, even if he hadn't helped me.
Will this cause a war within the Mancini family? Most likely. But the position was rightfully mine from the start, so I get to decide who I want to pass it down to.
“I wish I could say it was a pleasure working with you all, but we both know it wasn’t.”
The room fills with knowing chuckles, and I find myself laughing along with them.
“I’ll always remain a member here—this place is practically where I grew up,” I add, glancing around one last time. “And I can’t wait to see what’s next from the sidelines.”
I give them a curt nod as I stand, walking away from the table with a sense of lightness I haven’t felt in years.
The conference room at Vogue Elite feels unnervingly calm as Nico and I sit at the head of the table, waiting for the guest of the hour to arrive. With Matteo’s help—the tech genius he is—we uncovered some valuable information: the owner of Vogue Elite had made a string of poor investments, and the truth was, the company was hanging by a thread.
Luckily, Imperium Press specializes in buying struggling web media businesses and turning them around in no time. When I presented Nico with everything I had uncovered, he didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity. This deal was as beneficial for him as it was for me. Bringing a company of such a high caliber as this one to the Imperium Press corporation is a huge win for Nico.
Mila, Nico’s assistant, steps into the room. “He’s here.”
Nico gives a sharp nod. “Let him in.”
Max strides in, surprise lacing his features when his eyes find mine. I really have no business being here, but I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity of seeing this asshole get what he deserves.
Nico stands, buttoning his suit. “Please, take a seat.”
Max sits, looking around expectantly. “What’s going on?”
“I’m Nico Mancini?—”
Max interrupts, nodding eagerly. “Yeah, I know who you are. You’re doing great things over at Imperium. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“Can’t say the same,” Nico deadpans. Pleasantries have never been his strong suit. He flicks his wrist, checking his watch with a bored expression. “I’ll get straight to the point. Vogue Elite is under new management, and a few things were brought to our attention. After completing our investigations, we’ve discovered that not only were you abusing your position of power by making one of your employees do all of your work for you, but you also twisted an article to fit your narrative and published it under said employee’s byline without her approval.”
Max raises his hands in defense. “Everything I used for that article was taken from her notes.”
“I don’t give a fuck if you got those notes from Jesus himself. She had a complete, perfect article, and you twisted it because you felt threatened.” Nico deadpans.
“Threatened?” Max sneers. “She was a good-for-nothing, mediocre journalist?—”
“Mediocre?” I snap, unable to hold back. “The same mediocre journalist who has been doing your fucking job for years?”
Nico shoots me a withering glare, warning me to step back. We agreed I wouldn’t intervene, but fuck it if I’m going to let him talk about Sophia like that.
Nico gives Max an enigmatic look. “I didn’t call you here to have a debate. To be honest, I’m surprised you think I gave you the impression I care what you have to say. You’re fired. And good luck finding a job as an editor in chief, because, as you know, Imperium owns about 90% of the media business. The other 10%? Well, I’ve made sure to inform them of your actions.”
Max’s face reddens, his eyes bulging as he stands abruptly. “You have no right, and no evidence?—”
Nico interrupts without looking up, grabbing some paperwork from the table instead. “I assure you we have enough evidence.” He looks up, tilting his head. “Did you think deleting all the emails from your employee’s laptop was going to be enough? We have everything and more. So I suggest you leave, because I have very little patience for people who dare to question me.”
Max is at a loss for words, the vein in his forehead so pronounced it gives me a sense of satisfaction like no other. The taste of victory is sweet, and knowing justice has been served has a sense of relief rushing through me. Without a word, Max walks out of the conference room with his head down, fume practically coming out of his ears.
“Good riddance,” Nico mutters. “Honestly, he was probably going to get fired anyway. His qualifications are practically nonexistent. The only reason he got that position is because he’s the nephew of the former owner.” He shakes his head. “Fucking nepotism, man.”
“Tell me about it.” I laugh, scrubbing my face. “Thank you for this, man.”
“No need to thank me. Taking over this company has been something my father always wanted, and the fact I got to secure this, well… I should be the one thanking you.”
I salute. “Glad to be of service.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Listen, if your girl ever wants to come back and work here, we need an editor in chief. The position is hers if she wants it.”
“I can tell her, but she’s stubborn, I doubt she’ll take the handout.”
Nico gives me a confused look. “This is not a handout, trust me. I’ve been reading and researching the work Max passed as his. She’s really talented, we need people like her here. ”
Pride fills my chest as I hear those words.
Now that everything’s finally falling in line, there’s only one thing left to do.