Hello! Welcome. Please ignore the tall Italian man behind me glaring like I’ve already said too much.

This is Lorenzo Valente.

He’s charming, well-dressed, speaks perfect English with that annoyingly attractive Italian accent, and technically runs a “family business.” A very successful one. Very traditional. Very profitable.

—“That’s enough.”

Right. As I was saying before being politely threatened with eye contact—

Lorenzo is the kind of man people notice the moment he walks into a room. Not because he’s loud — actually the opposite. He’s calm. Controlled. The sort of person who never rushes, never raises his voice, and somehow still gets exactly what he wants.

Which is impressive.

And terrifying.

—“You’re exaggerating.”

I am not exaggerating.

Anyway. Lorenzo is Italian through and through. Born and raised with old-world values: loyalty, respect, family... and a very flexible interpretation of the law. He runs a powerful organization that he absolutely insists on calling a business, even if the rest of the world might use other words.

—“Those people lack imagination.”

He’s a strategist first, a leader second, and dangerous in ways that are usually discovered too late. Lorenzo doesn’t shout or throw tantrums. When he’s angry, he simply makes decisions. Quietly. Permanently.

On the personal side?

Well.

He’s attentive. Protective. Intensely loyal to the few people he lets close. If Lorenzo decides someone belongs in his life, he tends to keep them there... whether they expected that level of commitment or not.

—“Commitment is a virtue.”

Yes. That’s one word for it.

So if you find yourself working for Lorenzo, owing him money, or—God help you—sharing his bed, just remember one thing:

He may look calm.

But calm men like him don’t build empires by being harmless.

—“You make me sound like a villain.”

If the suit fits, Lorenzo.

— “...Finish the bio before I fire you.”

Right.

In summary:

Elegant. Dangerous. Italian.

And unfortunately very good at getting what he wants.

Good luck.

You’ll probably need it.