Chapter 209

Christian +15 Bonus “You’re unbelievably stupid if you think that I’ll sit back and do nothing while you’ve been looking at Dario the same way you once looked at my son.”

Christian smoked his cigarette and tried to erase that horrible sentence from his thoughts. He had heard it, all of it.

He knew Cesca and Serena could not be alone, so he had rushed downstairs to keep an eye on the situation, but what he was not prepared for was his mom’s comment about Dario.

Christian finally knew he wasn’t stupid. Everyone could see it, and so could he, but there was nothing he could do about it. Sharing the business with Dario would be the safest move. While anyone who had no idea that his uncle was still alive at the moment would’ve frowned upon the idea, Christian knew that everyone would eventually come to terms with it, He believed Serena was right. Berto would return, and there was no need for people to stand behind him if he could show them that he was kind enough to give Berto’s son half of the family business.

“You should stop smoking!” Dario shouted from afar. Christian looked up at his cousin, who made his way over and smiled forcefully. Did he like him? That was a question to which Christian didn’t even have the answer to.

He liked Dario, but he didn’t like the idea of Dario. He wanted him because he needed him, he needed him to beat his uncle, and he liked his way of thinking. The only thing which was stopping Christian from completely accepting him was Serena.

He had been so worried whether Serena’s love was sincere, and each time he doubted himself, Serena proved him wrong. Christian threw away the cigarette and smiled at his cousin. “You really need to stop telling me what to do.”

Dario slammed his arm around Christian’s shoulder and ruffled his hand through his hair. “You remind me of the little brother I never had.”

I know, Christian thought. He shared the same feelings. Dario was different from Gio. He was kind, understanding, and reminded Christian of the big brother he never had, but at the same time, that was what scared him the most.

Serena’s feelings for Dario were a red flag, and even though Dario denied his feelings for Serena, Christian could tell that it was all a lie. He could tell what it looked like when someone was in love, and he could tell- that Dario loved Serena.

Would his cousin ever betray him? No, Christian trusted him enough to believe that he wouldn’t let anyone interfere with their alliance, not even Serena. Did it mean that he was not a threat? No, Serena was a different case, and after Panama Christian had learned it the hard way. Although he hated admitting it, it was as clear as daylight that she had a dark side to her.

“So, what’s the reason you called me over?” Dario wondered. He knew that it could not be about Berto because they would never discuss something like that in Lucio’s home.

“Grandpa and I have something to discuss with you,” Christian spoke in a serious tone. “I haven’t done anything wrong, have 1?” Dario said, full of worries. Christian couldn’t help but smile at the innocent look on his cousin’s face and shook his head. “No, you didn’t-come on.”

+15 Bonus Dario entered the house and followed Christian while his eyes were desperately looking for someone. “Shouldn’t I greet my uncle?” Dario began the conversation.

Christian closed his eyes and took a breath, he knew of Dario’s real intentions, and he was trying his hardest to look past it. “Don’t worry about it. He won’t mind.”

“Oh,” Dario mumbled. “Where is Serena?”

And there it was.

Christian clenched his fist as he continued his steps. “She’s somewhere around. Why?” Christian asked. “Did you have something you want to tell her?”

“No, I came here for you.” Dario made himself clear. Christian could tell that he was onto him and that his sentence had a double meaning. Dario placed his hand on Christian’s shoulder to stop him from walking while Christian turned around with a frown on his face.

“Christian, I would never-”

“There you are!” Franco interrupted the two as he opened the door to the office. “Grandpa, I’ve seen your face more times than I’ve seen my own this week.” Dario laughed as he pulled him into a hug.

It was at times like this when Christian would get jealous of his cousin. Everything came so easy to him. Kindness, leadership, politeness, Serena.

Christian had felt too embarrassed to face his grandpa because of the horrible mistake he made, and no matter how many times Franco promised him that it was not his fault, it still did not change a thing.

Christian felt left behind as he followed the two inside and took a seat next to Dario. He was surprised to see how close the two had gotten and felt bothered by their useless conversation about the weather. Franco had never even addressed the weather with him.

“So,” Christian cleared his throat. “Yes, of course.” Franco laughed. He reached for Dario’s hand and held it in his, while Christian observed the proud look on his grandpa’s face. He’s just sitting there, Christian thought.

“We called you over here today because Christian came up with a beautiful idea-

“Well, Serena.” Christian corrected his grandpa. He knew Franco and Cesca would never get used to the concept of Serena having a pair of brains, but he would not remove her credit.

“You are the boss, so it was eventually your decision-but anyway.” Franco continued. “Christian told me that the two of you have been a dream team and that it’s time for a change.”

“Which means?” Dario chuckled. At times Christian hated his cousin’s humbleness and innocence because it only made him appreciate him even more.

“Which means I’m willing to lead the business together…with you…as a team,” Christian spoke. He had not expected to struggle with those words.

“Wait, what?” Dario spoke, surprised. “You mean like co-own?”

Christian nodded his head and smiled at the pleased look on Dario’s face. “Of course, everything will still go to Siena, but-.”

“Yes, of course.” Dario agreed. “I love Siena and…. and I would never do anything to sabotage her.”

+15 Bonus Christian tried his hardest to spot some disappointment in Dario’s expression but failed at doing so.

It was difficult for Christian to despise his cousin when he had been nothing but good. All Christian could hear in his head was a different sentence, I love Serena, and I would never do anything to sabotage her.

The pause after Siena’s name made him nervous, but there was nothing he could do. “So that means you’ll accept the offer?” Franco smiled brightly.

“Yes, of course, I will-I would love to!” Dario looked at Christian. “I also think we make a great team.”

“Great.” Christian spoke. “That means we can set up a contract, right, grandpa?”

“Christian!” Franco hissed. “What?” Christian spoke, confused. Of course, there has to be a contract, Christian thought. He could not ignore his past mistakes and especially not his title as Berto’s son.

“No, it’s okay-I understand.” Dario smiled at Christian. “You never know when someone will stab you in the back, and we’ve all learned it the hard way.”

Franco sighed. “Maybe you have a point.” He agreed. As far as Christian was concerned, he had never been. able to change his grandpa’s mind that quickly.

Dario didn’t even had to try.

“Thank you for being so understanding!” Franco spoke as he got up from his chair. “Wait here, I’ll make some calls right away, and we’ll announce it tomorrow at the photoshoot.”

Franco had left the room before the two could even give their opinion and left them behind in awkward silence, but all Christian could see it as was an perfect opportunity to ask his cousin the question which had been on his mind.

An opportunity to confront him about his feelings for Serena.