Chapter 19 XIX.
The first thing I registered was severe pain after Alessandro landed such a heavy punch to my jaw. I actually saw black spots, and the punch made me dizzy. I stumbled, but Tina, who stood closer to me, helped steady me.
I could feel the red blood trailing down my lips. Damn that was one powerful punch. I could barely stand on my own two feet. They felt like noodles.
"Sir, are you okay?" Tina asked, looking panicked.
"I'm fine." I said, trying to stand straight on my own two feet.
One of the waiters had joined us. "Is there a problem here, sirs?" He asked, looking concerned.
I stared at Alessandro, who looked shocked. I have no idea if he's shocked because he punched me or if he's shocked because I prevented him from punching Mr Jackson.
"You're bleeding, sir!" Tina exclaimed. "Quick, let's take you to a clinic."
"No, Tina, I'm fine." I replied and faced Mr Jackson again. "I'm so sorry about this, Mr Jackson. Don't take it against Alessandro, and please don't let this incident affect our deal."
Mr Jackson sighed, his eyes squinted in Alessandro's direction. "For your sake, I will put aside this disrespect and move on. I won't cancel the deal, and I won't ask for your secretary anymore, but Mr Ricci should take this as a warning. I won't be so lenient next time."
"This arrogant..."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it." I cut Alessandro off before he could say another word. I'm trying so hard to keep Mr. Jackson is calm, and he shouldn't make this worse.
Mr Jackson glared at him before walking away. I sighed in relief and looked at Alessandro. My heart clenched when I saw the look in his eyes. He looked like he was seeing a monster.
I gulped and looked away from him. I hated that look in his eyes directed towards me.
"Why did you have to apologize to him, Rowan? He should be the one to apologize to Tina. He disrespected her!" Alessandro thundered in a raised voice.
"He's an important client, Alessandro. The deed is already done. Why don't you just put it behind you?" I know I'm saying everything he doesn't want to hear, but he needs to understand that this is business, and in business, we have to do everything to make things work.
Alessandro shook his head in disappointment. "You know I thought you were different from my grandfather. All you both want is money and power. You don't care who you throw into the fire just to get what you want." He leaned in close to me, his eyes darkened in rage. "Guess what, Rowan, I'm not like you guys. If business means enduring being around pigs like this, then I'll rather stop this nonsense thoughts of taking over my grandfather's company. Your attitude, along with his, is disgusting!" He spat out the words in burning rage, and each word was like a stab to my chest.
Before I could get some kind of explanation for myself, he turned on his heels and walked away from us. I've never seen Alessandro this mad. Have I truly gone that far to upset him?
I looked at Tina, and she looked away from me with an expression I could not name, but one thing was obvious. I messed up big time.
I felt guilty. I told myself I shouldn't care, but I couldn't bring myself not to. I still remember the look in Alessandro's eyes when he said all those harsh words about me.
I felt like this was for the best. Maybe his hatred and anger towards me would stop me from thinking too much about him, but another part of my mind wants to go explain myself to him.
As I thought about it, Tina walked into the office. "Sir, you have a conference meeting at 4 pm."
"Oh, thank you, Tina." I said, snapping out of my deep thoughts. As she turned to leave, I spoke quickly. "Tina, hold on a minute." She stopped and stared at me curiously. I cleared my throat and began. "I'm really sorry about what Mr Jackson said about you, and I'm sorry for not being able to defend you."
She shook her head with a smile. "You don't have to worry about me, sir. I understand that it's part of your job and mine to endure shit heads like Mr Jackson, but the person who you really need to apologize to is Mr Alessandro. He seems really mad when you sided with Mr Jackson."
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Believe me, Tina, I am thinking about apologising to him."
"Don't think, sir. Do it. It's the right thing to do. Mr Alessandro already sees you as the bad guy. You shouldn't make things worse." With that, Tina left the office.
That left me no choice. I have to go talk to Alessandro.
I arrived at the Ricci's home, and Alessandra was the one who opened the door. Her green eyes brightened when they saw me. "Rowan, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?"
I studied her properly. From the way she's dressed, it's quite obvious that she was on her way out.
I can't let her know that I came to see Alessandro. She might think something else. "I... I came to see you, Sandra."
She blushed at my words and lowered her head shyly. "That's so sweet, Rowan." She kissed my cheeks, "but I'm sorry I have plans with my friends for this afternoon, but I promise, I'll make time for you next time."
"That's fine, Sandra. I'll see you later. Let me just say hi to Mr Ricci, then I'll leave."
She grinned in delight. "Alright, I'll see you later, Rowan." She kissed my cheek again. "Grandpa is in his study. Good luck." She blew me a kiss and walked out of the house with her heels clicking loudly.
I sighed and faced the stairs, my eyes staring straight at the directions that led to Alessandro's room. The same room I saw him having sex with a guy some time ago.
It seems like a bad idea, but I have to do this. Just so I could get rid of this guilty feeling that keeps weighing down on me.