When the Loser Became rich heir

CHAPTER 8

The air in the boutique remained frozen long after Caterina’s words fell.

Even Luca—standing at the center of it all—felt a brief flicker of disbelief. His gaze shifted slowly across the luxurious space, the polished marble, the rows of designer suits… all of it now tied to him.

One of mine?

For a moment, he said nothing.

The manager suddenly dropped to her knees.

“I—I’m sorry!” she cried, her voice trembling uncontrollably. “Sir, I didn’t know! Please, give me another chance! I was only trying to protect the store!”

Her makeup had begun to smudge, her carefully composed image crumbling into desperation.

“You threw his card on the floor,” Caterina said coldly. “You called security on him.”

“I—I made a mistake!” the manager sobbed. “Please, sir, I have a family! I can’t lose this job!”

Victor let out a low scoff, though his voice lacked its earlier confidence. “Pathetic. Begging like a stray dog now.”

Leslie crossed her arms, forcing a sneer. “Figures. Trash defends trash.”

The sales assistant looked down, her hands clenched, but said nothing.

Luca finally spoke, his tone flat. “You’re right about one thing.”

The manager looked up, hope flashing in her eyes. “S-Sir?”

“You made a mistake.”

Her face lit up—

“Unfortunately,” Luca continued, his voice turning colder, “it’s not one I’m interested in forgiving.”

The hope shattered instantly.

“Please—!”

“Leave,” Caterina said sharply.

Security, who had been frozen moments ago, now rushed forward—this time dragging the manager out as she cried and begged.

Her voice echoed faintly before disappearing completely.

Silence returned.

Master Georgio stepped forward quickly, his posture respectful, almost cautious.

“Mr. Romano,” he said, bowing slightly again. “I sincerely apologize for the disgraceful behavior you experienced here. It is entirely unacceptable.”

Luca exhaled, his anger settling but not gone. “Just get me something to wear.”

“Of course,” Georgio said immediately. He gestured toward a rack. “I anticipated your needs. While a fully handcrafted suit would require at least a week, I have prepared several ready-made pieces tailored to your measurements.”

Victor muttered under his breath, “Unbelievable… a guy like him…”

Luca ignored him.

Georgio presented a sleek, dark suit. “Italian wool. Hand-finished. It should suit tonight’s occasion perfectly.”

Luca ran his fingers over the fabric. Smooth. Refined.

“Try it,” Caterina said.

Minutes later, Luca stepped out.

The transformation was immediate.

The worn man in cheap clothes was gone—replaced by someone sharp, commanding, almost untouchable.

The assistant’s eyes widened. “He… looks completely different…”

Leslie bit her lip, unable to hide her shock. “Still just dressing up dirt.”

Victor forced a laugh. “Yeah. A polished loser is still a loser.”

Luca didn’t even look at them.

“I’ll take it,” he said simply.

Georgio nodded. “It’s yours, sir.”

—

Soon after, the Rolls-Royce glided through the city streets.

Inside, Caterina adjusted her gloves. “The White Whale is expecting us. Mr. Gatti has been waiting.”

Luca looked out the window, his expression calm again. “Let’s get this over with.”

—

The White Whale restaurant stood like a palace of glass and gold.

As Luca stepped out, every staff member at the entrance bowed slightly.

“Good evening, sir.”

“Welcome, sir.”

Caterina—poised, elegant—led the way. “This way, Mr. Romano.”

They moved through the grand halls, past diners dressed in wealth and status, until they reached a private elevator.

The top floor.

The VIP area.

Fewer than a hundred people in the entire city had access.

The doors opened.

Inside the private dining room, a dignified middle-aged man stood immediately.

“Mr. Romano,” he said respectfully, stepping forward. “Ms. Russo.”

Luca nodded slightly.

“Mr. De Luca,” Caterina acknowledged.

Lorenzo De Luca smiled warmly. “I’ve been looking forward to this meeting. Galaxy Tech has always been… generous to me.”

Luca raised a brow. “Generous?”

Lorenzo chuckled. “Without its investment, I wouldn’t be where I am today. You could say… my success is built on its foundation.”

They sat.

Conversation flowed briefly—business, investments, opportunities.

Then Luca stood.

“Excuse me,” he said. “Restroom.”

“Of course,” Lorenzo replied.

—

The hallway outside was quiet.

Too quiet.

Luca frowned slightly, glancing around as he walked.

Wrong turn.

He pushed open a door—

And stepped into the main dining hall.

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

Then—

A sharp voice cut through the air.

“Why are you here again?”

Luca froze.

“…Are you following me because you’re trying to scam money?”

He turned.

Isabell stood there, her expression cold and displeased.

Beside her is Alessandro.

The same man.

The same smug face.

Luca’s eyes darkened instantly.

Alessandro smirked. “Wow. You really don’t know when to quit, huh?”

Isabella crossed her arms. “I didn’t expect you to stoop this low, Joshua. Following me here? It’s embarrassing.”

“I’m here on business,” Luca said flatly.

There was a pause. Then Isabella laughed. A short, sharp sound.

“You?” she said. “Business?”

Alessandro chuckled. “That’s a good one. What kind of business? Begging for leftovers?”

“Maybe he’s here to clean tables,” Alessandro added mockingly. “Trying to earn tips like a good little loser.”

Isabella shook her head. “You’ve always been like this. No ambition. No direction. And now you’re making up stories to save face?”

Luca’s jaw tightened. “What about you?”

Isabella blinked. “What?”

He looked at Alessandro. Then back at her.

“You’re here with your ‘assistant,’” Luca said coldly. “Is this business… or a date?”

Isabella face flushed instantly. “Watch your mouth.”

Alessandro scoffed. “Careful, man. Don’t project your pathetic life onto others.”

“You have a filthy mind,” Isabella said sharply. “Just because you’re useless doesn’t mean everyone else is.”

Luca didn’t respond.

Isabella lifted her chin. “I’m here for an opportunity. Lorenzo Gatti is dining here tonight.”

Alessandro nodded proudly. “Biggest name in the city.”

“If I can meet him,” Isabella continued, “it could open doors. Real opportunities. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

She looked at Luca with thinly veiled disdain.

“Not everyone is content being a nobody.”

Alessandro smirked. “Some people actually try to climb instead of crawling in the dirt.”

Luca’s eyes grew colder.

“Then I guess you’ll need luck,” he said quietly.

Isabella frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Luca didn’t answer.

He simply turned—

And walked away.