Chapter 5

Alessia's eyes widened as she took in the beautiful interior of Bella Vita. The soft glow of chandeliers, the crisp white tablecloths, and the gentle hum of conversation created an atmosphere of refined elegance. She felt a pang of nervousness, her hand instinctively smoothing out her red dress.

Sofia's voice broke into her thoughts, her words dripping with an air of mystery. "Alessia, I'll get straight to the point. Like I've said before, Chairwoman Benedetta of MK has a proposal for you. One that could change your life forever."

Alessia's heart skipped a beat as Sofia paused, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "What is the deal?" Alessia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She had to know what she was getting herself into.

Sofia's expression turned enigmatic. "I'm not in the position to tell you. You will meet with the Chairwoman by 9 AM sharp tomorrow, and then you will know everything."

Alessia's mind raced with possibilities. What could this proposal entail? And who was this Chairwoman Benedetta, who seemed to wield so much power?

Sofia's voice dropped to a warning tone. "Please, I'm telling you, the Chairwoman is a really strict and professional woman. Don't be late, and don't underestimate her."

Alessia nodded, her eyes locked on Sofia's. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the gravity of the situation. Tomorrow, her life could change forever.

Massimo Riccardo emerged from the plane, his stunning good looks and powerful presence commanding attention. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into those around him, as if sizing them up.

His dark hair was perfectly messy, adding to his masculine charm. His broad shoulders and athletic build, evident even under his tailored suit, exuded confidence and power.

At thirty years old, he was a self-made billionaire, with a business empire that spanned real estate, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and exotic automobiles. His success was matched only by his captivating charm, making him the ultimate catch for any woman.

However, his bodyguards surrounded him, a visible barrier between him and the admiring glances of the female crowd. They were there to protect him from the one thing he was severely allergic to - women. A single touch could send him into anaphylactic shock, landing him in the hospital, and his bodyguards were determined to prevent that.

As he walked, the girls couldn't help but stare and whisper to each other. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes seemed to captivate everyone around him.

His phone rang, breaking the spell. He checked the caller ID and disconnected the call without hesitation. The phone rang again, and he repeated the same action. It was Chairwoman Benedetta, his mother. She must have known he had arrived in Italy, and that's why she was calling.

The car door of the black Ghost was opened by the bodyguard, and Massimo slipped inside. The door closed behind him, and one of the bodyguards turned on the ignition. The others followed in a separate car, flanking the Ghost like a protective entourage.

As they drove, Massimo's phone rang again. He sighed, expecting his mother's call once more. But instead, he saw Vincenzo's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey yo bro, you've arrived?" Vincenzo's cheerful voice boomed through the speaker, almost deafening Massimo.

Massimo shook his head, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Hmm."

Vincenzo chuckled. "Still a man of few words? How was your trip? Any information about her?"

Massimo's expression turned serious. "Nothing yet." He wouldn't rest until he found her.

Vincenzo's tone turned sympathetic. "Sorry about that. But how about we catch up at my hospital?" He was always looking for ways to lift Massimo's spirits.

"Alright, I'll be there shortly." Massimo agreed.

Vincenzo whooped in excitement. "Don't believe you agreed so easily!"

Massimo hung up the phone, a small smile still playing on his lips. "Drive to Vince's hospital," he commanded the driver.

The driver nodded, his eyes meeting Massimo's in the rearview mirror. "Right away, sir."

As the car arrived at Vince's hospital, the driver turned off the ignition, and the bodyguard opened the door for Massimo Riccardo. He stepped out of the car with effortless grace, his eyes scanning the surroundings before focusing on the hospital entrance.

His bodyguard moved to stand in front of him, a protective barrier between Massimo and the outside world. Together, they walked towards the hospital, their footsteps echoing in the quiet evening air.

Meanwhile, Alessia stood up from her chair, shaking hands with Sofia. "I'll be there tomorrow at 9 AM sharp," she promised, a determined glint in her eye.

Sofia smiled, her expression warm and encouraging. "Alright, don't be late. We wouldn't want to keep Chairwoman Benedetta waiting."

Alessia nodded, her mind already racing with thoughts of the next day's meeting. She turned to leave, remembering that Laura had lent her the money for the cab fare. She would need to use the remaining change to get back to the hospital and check on her grandmother.

As she stood by the roadside, flagging down a cab, her heart sank. The driver who pulled up was the same one she had cheated the day before. His eyes widened in recognition, and as Alessia reached for the door handle, he locked the doors and sped away.

"Bastard, I'll catch you some other time!" Alessia shouted, her fists clenched in frustration.

Alessia finally flagged down a cab and gave the driver the address of her grandmother's hospital. As she arrived, she paid the driver and got out, receiving a text from Laura asking if she was coming. She was typing a reply, not facing where she was going, when suddenly she was pushed away. Her phone fell from her hand, and her butt landed on the floor of the hospital at the entrance.

She looked up, and her breath got stuck in her throat. The man before her was a Greek-Italian god from either hell or heaven. But his beauty wouldn't save him from escaping her wrath.

She stood up, her eyes blazing, and looked at the bodyguard who had pushed her. "Have you gone crazy? Why did you push me?"

The bodyguard, with a muscular build, stood in front of his boss and replied, "No, Miss, you are the one who's clearly blind, because you've almost bumped into our boss. If I hadn't pushed you..."

Alessia's eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting to the man behind the bodyguard. He was even more breathtaking up close, his chiseled features and piercing blue eyes seeming to bore into her soul. "So what if I've almost bumped into your boss? Who is he? Is he someone who can't be bumped into?"