Page 22 of I'm sorry, Princess

The words tumble out, a mix of frustration and self-doubt.

Ian doesn’t respond right away, but I can feel his presence next to me, steady, grounding. He’s always had a way of making things feel less daunting, even without saying much.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to push aside the weight of expectations and focus on what’s ahead.

This is my chance to prove myself, not just to my parents or the people watching me through the glass, but to me.

I’m on my way to meet my first client, my first real client.

I made sure to dress the part. My white dress fits perfectly, hugging my curves in just the right way. My blonde hair is down, styled with soft curls that frame my face. My mother’s voice echoes in my mind as I adjust my Valentino heels.“Presentation is everything, darling, especially when you’re beautiful.”

She’s always emphasized the importance of dressing well, of using every advantage to make an impression. And while I don’t always agree with her approach, I’ve learned the value of it.

My makeup is simple, understated, but I made sure to highlight my full lips and accentuate my large eyes. It’s deliberate, I know how people see me, and I’ve stopped trying to fight it. If they want to underestimate me because I look like I’m going on a date, fine.

Let them.

The moment I prove them wrong, the look on their faces will be worth every second of doubt.

As I walk through the halls, I can feel their eyes on me. They know who I am, Beaumont’s daughter. They know I’m young, too young for this job in their minds, and they’veprobably already written me off as another pretty face riding on her parents’ coattails.

Good. Underestimation is my secret weapon.

Ian opens the door, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“Ladies first,” he says with a smile, stepping aside to let me in.

But the moment I step through the door, I freeze.

My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

Sitting there, staring at me with those piercing, cold blue eyes, is him.

What the hell?

Why would they assign me to him?

Ian notices my hesitation, his smile quirking into something knowing.

“Thank you,” I manage to say softly, my voice steady despite the storm of shock and confusion inside me.

I step further into the room, and his gaze locks onto mine, unflinching, unapologetic.

Oh. My. God.

Lorenzo Giovanni Moretti.

He is the charismatic heir to the illustrious Moretti Estate Empire. The Moretti family, steeped in wealth and tradition, traces its roots back to generations of visionary entrepreneurs who transformed humble beginnings into a sprawling legacy.

From an early age, Lorenzo was groomed to inherit the mantle of leadership. His childhood was a blend of opulence and responsibility, with lessons in business ethics and estate management seamlessly woven into family dinners in the grand halls of the Moretti estate. His parents, Sofia and Giovanni Moretti instilled in him a deepappreciation for both the artistry of Italian culture and the pragmatic principles of successful entrepreneurship.

At the age of 18, Lorenzo’s life took a decisive turn. An unexpected tragedy befell his family, prompting his father, Giovanni Moretti Sr., to entrust him with the reins of the estate empire far sooner than anticipated. Despite the weight of grief, Lorenzo embraced the challenge with a determination that belied his youth.

Under Lorenzo's stewardship, the Moretti Empire underwent a rapid and transformative evolution. His visionary approach saw the integration of cutting-edge technologies into traditional estate management, catapulting the family business into the 21st century. The vineyards flourished, the historic estates were meticulously restored, and strategic acquisitions expanded the Moretti holdings beyond the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany.

Lorenzo's charisma and strategic acumen turned him into a young business prodigy. His ability to seamlessly balance modernity with the cherished traditions of his family garnered him both admiration and respect within elite business circles. He became a prominent figure not only in the Italian business landscape but also on the global stage.

He was born in Florence, Italy, into a family that thrived on power and ambition. However, when business matters demanded it, the Moretti family relocated to New York, United States, marking the start of a new chapter.