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By 10 a.m. the following morning, Sara arrived at Luca's room, carrying his newly tailored Lavelle-branded suit. Without wasting ti, she helped him test it right away, pairing it with an expensive brown leather belt she had picked up on her way.
Once Luca donned the suit, he turned to face the mirror. His reflection caught him by surprise, and he found himself marveling at how well the suit fit. Whether it was the result of months of intense training with his system, piloting a single-seater, or simply natural growth, Luca wasn't entirely sure. But now he understood why the cutter had described his physique as ideal for bespoke tailoring—at least, that's what he rembered the man saying.
Sara stepped closer, adjusting the seams and ensuring every detail was perfect. She then took a picture of Luca and sent it to Mallow, who had insisted on approving the final look. If anything was even slightly off, Mallow had made it clear that changes would be arranged before their scheduled visit to Mrs. Hawthorne's mansion at 5 p.m.
Once the pictures were sent, Sara prepared to leave but paused to update Luca on her progress. She was finalizing the arrangents for his new residence and believed the contract they'd secure that evening would accelerate the process. If all went well, they could survey the property as soon as they returned to Berlin, and Luca might even move in before the end of August.
Luca thanked Sara earnestly as she left. He couldn't imagine what he would do without her and doubted if any other personal assistant could match her level of dedication.
Checking himself one last ti in the mirror, Luca carefully removed the suit and hung it neatly in the wardrobe. He sighed and looked around his room, sucking in the life of a young man. He wondered what he could do before 4:30 pm when he'd start preparing and getting dressed. At the mont, he was tired of hanging with the crew as his social battery had just died down.
Luca decided he'd call his family and learn what they're up to. He wanted to know if Sophia had received her Cambridge admission results or if the process was still ongoing. He also thought of Isabella and her ntion of her upcoming 17th birthday—it was late July, so she might have turned 17 by now.
Luca got to work. He picked up his phone and laptop. Placing them on the table, he slid into the chair, ready to video call his family first.
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By 4:30 p.m., Luca took a quick shower, styled his hair, and slipped into his midnight blue suit. He stood before the mirror, scrutinizing every detail to ensure his appearance was flawless. Satisfied, he left his hotel room and headed to the lounge, where he planned to wait for Mallow.
When Luca arrived, so of the crew mbers were visibly astonished by his outfit. Their curiosity was evident, and they began asking about his destination. Luca, careful to avoid revealing too much, simply said it was a date and he was seeing soone. This imdiately shut down queries because no one wanted to feel like they were pestering his personal life.
Mallow arrived on ti, giving Luca a quick once-over before nodding approvingly. Together, they left the facility and headed to the car Mallow had arranged for their transit.
Mrs. Hawthorne's mansion in Barcelona was located well away from the outskirts of the city. It was an estate in the Pedralbes neighborhood which was well-known for its hilly terrain, manicured gardens and ancient olive trees that led to the grand stone façade. Its seclusion from the main city made Mallow and Luca's drive a long one, but they reached anyway as the ti neared 5 pm.
Their Ford SUV drove past the diterranean coastline, driving deeper into the more serene areas of the neighborhood as lush greenery bordered the horizon.
Mallow eventually turned into a private driveway flanked by elegant wrought-iron gates bearing the Hawthorne family crest which was a bronze lion standing on its hind limbs and hoisting a huge gold coin embedded with the capital letter H. Now, Luca could rember a lot of tis he'd seen sothing like that back in the UK. He cleared his throat and straightened up as Mallow rolled the car slowly toward the guards.
With one glance at Luca, the guard promptly nodded and waved them through. Mallow chuckled and crept the SUV into the cobblestone path that led into the main estate. The huge mansion ca into view and Mallow parked near the fountain at the center of the circular driveway.
The gentle sound of the trickling fountain water seed loud as the two stepped out, adjusting their ties and files to feel authentic. "Okay, let's do this son. Let's not screw up," Mallow whispered as four n in black began walking toward them.
"You're overthinking, man. Stop it," Luca shot back.
"Welco to the Hawthorne residence," said one of the n. He gestured for Luca and Mallow to follow.
Luca and Mallow complied, following the n to ascend the wide stone staircase leading to the grand entrance before they approached the massive oak doors.
Inside, the air was cool and carried a faint scent of polished wood and expensive cologne. The grandeur of the foyer was impossible to miss as everything scread wealth and defined old money.
The n in black escorted them through a series of hallways adorned with antique paintings and statues until they reached a large conference room. Inside, a long oak table dominated the space, with leather chairs arranged neatly around it. Several people were already seated—Mrs. Hawthorne's legal team and personal assistants, who rose to greet them as they entered. The contract signing was to be carried out without delay.
Mallow maintained his composure, pulling out a chair for Luca before taking his own seat. The eting began without delay, with both parties reviewing the contract's terms one final ti. Luca paid close attention, morizing the nurous dos and don'ts he was expected to follow as a Hawthorne ambassador. The atmosphere was so formal and professional it felt suffocating, yet Luca stayed composed.
When the ti ca, Luca signed where instructed, with Mallow following suit. The deal was sealed in less than twenty minutes. Luca Rennick was now officially an ambassador for Mrs. Hawthorne and her family within the world of motorsport.
A firm handshake marked the conclusion of the eting, and the representatives offered warm congratulations.
"You'll be escorted to the dining hall shortly," one of the assistants inford them. "Mrs. Hawthorne and her family will join you right at six."
Luca and Mallow were led to a lavish waiting lounge with plush seating, where refreshnts had been laid out. When all servants were out of sight, Mallow began to congratulate Luca. Luca, on the other hand, fought hard not to react the sa way and tried to hide his excitent. Mallow refused to let go until Luca reminded him he would soon rumple his nice suit, and Mallow quickly withdrew his hands.
At exactly six, they were ushered into the dining hall, an expansive room with large windows offering a stunning view of the estate's gardens. A long dining table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and a centerpiece of fresh flowers. They were directed exactly where to sit and Luca found himself seated near one end of the table, Mallow, at the middle of one side. Luca took a deep breath as the seconds ticked by, Mrs. Hawthorne's arrival impending.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long. Monts later, the doors opened, and Mrs. Hawthorne entered, accompanied by her family. Without being told, Luca and Mallow knew they had to be on their feet as the family approached the table.
Mrs. Hawthorne had three children—one a child, another a preteen, and the eldest, a grown adult who appeared older than Luca. This sight made Luca wonder just how long ago her husband had passed.
The eldest was a striking, prince-like figure, with sharp features and a confident deanor. Luca guessed he was pretty much about Ansel's age. The middle child, a young girl with the sa golden hair as her mother, had a beauty that was almost ethereal. Her fair skin seed like she had never stepped out under the sun. The third child looked well like a child version of the first born as he clung to his elder brother, gripping his hand tightly. Instantly, Luca believed he liked this family, the sa way he liked Mrs. Hawthorne within a minute.
Mrs. Hawthorne herself was stunning, dressed in a flowing ivory gown and golden seam and neckline. She walked elegantly to the head chair, stopping behind it and her children stopped as well. "Mr. Mallow and Formula 2 Spanish Grand Prix winner, Luca Rennick," she greeted softly.
"The pleasure is ours, Mrs. Hawthorne," Mallow replied on behalf of them both.
Mrs. Hawthorne's piercing blue eyes lingered on Luca for a mont longer than expected before she frowned. Luca's heart skipped at that mont. "Is that Lavelle you're wearing?" Mrs. Hawthorne asked.
Luca was startled. "Yes, ma'am," he replied.
"Ughh. I really dislike them," Mrs. Hawthorne remarked with a hint of disdain. "Their tailoring is impeccable, yes, but they often sacrifice individuality for trend-chasing. True elegance should never feel mass-produced."
Luca eyed Mallow wickedly. "I'm sorry ma'am. I'll patronize another next ti," he said, wondering how she was able to detect which tailoring brand made the suit.
"Don't trouble yourself, dear; you look wonderful in it," Mrs. Hawthorne said. "However, as our ambassador now, it's only fitting that your professional wardrobe cos exclusively from Casa Reyes. Consider it a matter of principle."
Mallow nodded like a soldier. "Certainly! We will do that."
Mrs. Hawthorne smiled and settled into her seat. "I trust the evening will be as productive as it is pleasant," she said smoothly, also speaking to a servant.
The eldest son stepped forward, extending his hand to Luca. "Adrian Hawthorne," he introduced himself. Luca returned the pleasure and shook his hand firmly.
Adrian also introduced his young siblings; Charlotte and Henry before they all sat down around the table.
The first dish of dinner was served and it was velvety pumpkin bisque garnished with dollops of cream and sprinkles of toasted seeds. The family and their guests began digging into the soup delicately as Mrs. Hawthorne initiated the dinner conversation.
She started off by congratulating Luca on his impressive victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. She and her family were indeed present to watch the race, the very reason why they were in Barcelona in the first place. She narrated how her last child Henry was jubilating on top of his voice when Luca turned the tables upside down at the ending laps, right when it seed things were going sideways for him.
Luca erged first and if he kept up this run, it would both benefit the both of them.
The second course of the dinner followed and the third, until the main course arrived shortly after. The main dish was a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin paired with roasted vegetables and a delicate red wine reduction. By then, Mrs. Hawthorne, Luca and Mallow had delved deep into conversations far from what they had gathered there for. Even Adrian spoke occasionally to help his mother whenever she forgot sothing as she was the head of the storytelling.
At around 7:30 pm, Charlotte and Henry were escorted out of the dining room to prepare for the night, leaving the adults to continue with their conversation and also have dessert.
Luca couldn't believe the responsibilities he had on his shoulder as he was now tied to this family in so way. He was expected to get all his professional and formal attire from Casa de Costura Reyes and nowhere else. Casual wear should also co from Hawthorne-affiliated fashion lines. Watches, cufflinks, belts, briefcases should all be of the sa source.
Just like he was told earlier at the first contract, all his electronic devices must be switched to all brands Mrs. Hawthorne held stakes in. And his finances? Luca was required to move his banking to Hawthorne Trust & Finance with imdiate effect.
The only silver line feature of this affiliation Luca loved so much was that all personally owned vehicles he would use must be a luxury car from their partnered automotive brand—Jaguar. And he'd be getting one free in the coming months! Additionally, his new residence was expected to be furnished in the sa responsibility with all interior designs exclaiming Luca Rennick was part of Hawthorne.
Luca didn't know why, but it felt like he was joining so rich cult.
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