Page 80 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Olivia and Nico came over to greet me.

“How are you feeling?” I asked her.

She smiled. “Good.”

“We’re ready to begin,” Rocco declared, and we all took our seats. He claimed the head of the table, the unmistakable seatof authority. Mr. Sears sat to his left, while the rest clustered around Mr. Sears, tension thick in the air. The decision before us was monumental: the leadership could determine the future direction of the family’s vast interests and destiny. Rocco risked losing control of a company that had been under Marinis’ leadership for generations. Meanwhile, the trust stood to gain significant influence, reshaping the family’s legacy.

A click on the door and Rocco’s Uncle Walter walked in. I hadn’t seen him since the will reading, but I had seen him and Rocco’s Aunt Rita most of the summer. It hadn’t occurred to me that he was a part of the board of directors. Was he also challenging Rocco?

I touched Rocco’s leg under the table and sent him a silent disapproval. He leaned over and whispered in my ear. “He’s sitting in for Aunt Rita, who’s on the board and has a cold. He also works at Marini Corporate as Chief Operations Officer.”

Rocco lifted his chin. “I, as interim chairperson, give permission to Mr. Sears to start our meeting.”

Mr. Sears cleared his throat. “We call this meeting of the board of directors to review the succession of Marini Enterprise chairperson held by Luca Marini. Aside from ongoing litigation, we’re here to see if you can resolve who will lead Marini Corporate. As Luca Marini’s successor, the trust is prepared to assume temporary control and proposes a vote to form a committee to review all trust changes in the Marini family’s best interests. Since Mr. Rocco Marini has stepped down as CEO—”

“I have since reinstated my position as CEO,” Rocco said.

Mr. Sears was flustered. “We would have to vote on whether you can take the position. According to Article IV, Section 7 of the bylaws, we’d need a vote and another approval.”

“That’s not true, Mr. Sears,” Gunnar said. “According to the Marini Corporate separation contract, which stipulates thatRocco has thirty-five days to give up his position after stepping down, he is within his rights to maintain his role.”

“We’re past thirty days since he stepped down.”

“That’s factually correct. However, Rocco stepped in as interim CEO on Luca’s death. And that keeps him in the position.”

“Hmm,” Mr. Sears murmured, and a man in a suit next to him whispered in his ear and handed him a sheet of paper. A palpable tension thickened the air, and murmurs grew louder around the table.

Mr. Sears spoke up, asserting his position with an authoritative tone. “We, Marini Trust, also note your intention, Rocco, as found in the minutes leading up to your departure. You were clear that with your plan to step down and replace yourself in the position, it would be a grave disservice to our shareholders to support an uncertain instability. Therefore, we believe it is wise to call for a vote of confidence,” he declared firmly.

Mr. Sears seemed too sure that if he brought a confidence challenge, he’d win. I tensed, staring around the room. Had he already won members over to his side?

Rocco leaned forward slightly. “My commitment to Marini Corporate was never challenged in all the years of service. Our last quarter was one of the highest increases in years. I also stepped in as interim, as requested by the board of directors, following Luca’s death. I don’t see why we would need a vote of confidence.”

“We have concerns about a split in commitment between your job and building a movie studio,” Mrs. Ricci began, speaking up for the first time. “Luca was also just as concerned, as evident in the video supplied to the board.”

“I have decided to delay the building of my studio,” Rocco said.

“But will you keep your production company?” asked another woman with a nametag readingRobin Marini, executor representative. A family member I hadn’t met. “How will we know you will be able to divide your time—”

“Because I already did it before,” Rocco said. “And our businesses were all profitable. That’s more than a new person can give you.”

“As you’re aware, Rocco. Luca was also adamant about the child provision,” Mr. Sears said. “We understand, Olivia, this is one of your concerns. It was included in the wills, as well as the video.”

Olivia cleared her throat. “That’s right. Luca discussed the child provision and added the increase into both new wills, one read at the meeting and given to you to review, which was also not voted on as required by the board. I can say he wanted Rocco and Adelina to have a family, and he agreed with me on the financial increase to meet the time, knowing that all family funds and the studio would be part of our Marini legacy. However, instead of enforcing a provision, I have since decided to support whatever Rocco and Adelina decide to do as a family.”

I reached for Rocco’s leg beneath the table. He turned, meeting my eyes with a reassuring nod, signaling he would share our decision.

“We’re no longer opposed,” Rocco said, and murmurs erupted around the room again, and Rocco hit the table. “Quiet, please.” Everyone quieted down. “Adelina and I have agreed to start our family.”

Olivia leaned forward with a warm smile, her eyes softening with affection. “That’s wonderful news, Rocco and Adelina. Then I don’t see any reason we need a vote.”

“I’m going on record as opposed to using any funds for a movie studio,” Mrs. Ricci said. “It’s a volatile, unstable excursion that could cost billions in lost revenue.”

A heavy weight settled in my stomach as I caught several subtle nods of agreement in her direction.

“Well, as you’re aware, the board-approved will is different,” Mr. Sears said and cleared his throat. “The child provision funds are capped at twenty million per child. That’s one of the only funds available for your movie studio, as per the Marini bylaws. So even if you’re successful at the vote of confidence, Rocco, I’m afraid you’ll not receive much funding from the board-approved will.”

“You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Sears,” Gunnar said to him. “You either want to use the current will with a challenge to leadership, or you want to respect the board-approved will that places Rocco as the head of family and will give him the opportunity to set his own guidelines as part of his inheritance.”