CHAPTER 3 Shadows beyond estate
Published
The De Rossi headquarters was already busy by the time Alessandro arrived that morning. The tall glass building stood in the middle of the city, carrying the family name across its entrance and housing several of the businesses they had built over the years. Employees moved through the marble lobby with folders and tablets in hand, executives disappeared into meeting rooms, and security guards watched the entrances with quiet attention. It was a different world from the estate. At home, Alessandro was surrounded by his family. Here, every decision carried a consequence.
The moment his car stopped at the private entrance, two security guards stepped forward.
“Good morning, sir.”
Alessandro stepped out of the vehicle, adjusting the sleeve of his dark suit.
“Morning.”
He entered the building without stopping, and the guards returned to their positions.
Inside, the atmosphere was already intense. The lobby was filled with employees arriving for meetings, assistants moving between departments, and executives speaking quietly as they checked their schedules. The reception area was designed to look impressive without appearing excessive, with polished marble floors, tall glass walls, and the De Rossi emblem displayed behind the main desk.
Several employees greeted Alessandro as he passed.
“Good morning, Mr. De Rossi.”
“Good morning, sir.”
Alessandro acknowledged them with brief nods.
He never needed to raise his voice inside his own company. His presence alone was enough to change the atmosphere around him.
His personal assistant was waiting near the private elevator.
“Good morning, sir.”
Alessandro glanced at the tablet in his hands.
“What’s the schedule?”
His assistant immediately began going through the day’s appointments.
“Your first meeting is at nine-thirty with the financial department. The board meeting is at eleven. Fabio and Cassian will be attending, along with the senior executives.”
Alessandro stepped into the elevator.
“And the investor meeting?”
“Three this afternoon.”
“Wasn’t that at two?”
“It was. They requested the change last night.”
Alessandro nodded.
“Fine.”
His assistant followed him inside.
“There are also several documents waiting for your approval. Most are related to the family’s current property developments and investment accounts.”
“Leave them on my desk.”
“Already arranged.”
The elevator doors closed.
“And the Volkov representatives?”
“They confirmed they’ll be there.”
Alessandro’s expression remained neutral.
He paused for only a second before nodding.
“Fine.”
His assistant glanced at him.
“Do you want anything prepared specifically for the board meeting?”
“No.”
“Nothing else?”
“I’ll handle it.”
“Understood.”
The elevator continued upward.
Neither of them spoke for the rest of the ride.
When the doors opened, they stepped onto the executive floor. The atmosphere there was much quieter than downstairs. Private offices lined both.
Chaptergather