Page 81 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Mr. Sears’ face twisted in a grimace. “There’s no need to be hostile.”

Gunnar smiled. “I’m not being hostile, Mr. Sears. Merely stating facts.”

“Well, I’m merely discussing the issues at hand,” Mr. Sears said in a curt tone. “On the video Luca left for Adelina, it was clear that he also had reservations about Rocco taking on a new job and the family legacy. This is the reason we’re here, isn’t it?” I glanced around the room at the nods from those seated.

“Well, then,” Rocco said, staring at everyone. “We’ve come to a decision. Since our last meeting, I agreed to retake my position as head of Marini Corporate. I’ve also agreed to a child provision as set out in the new will. I’ve been the most successful leader of Marini Corporate in decades. I’ve returned to the role after Luca’s death, and our shares increased. Taking on a committee or untested new leadership is against all that the Marinis have built over the years. While I will have my movie studio, I don’t believe that it will take away from my commitment to our family. That’s why Luca entrusted me as his successor. Thank you.”

“I’d like to add,” Mr. Sears said and adjusted his tie. “That Marini Corporate, Estate, and Trust would benefit from a board instead of succession. In that way, we can build a much more stable future. Thank you.”

“As per our guidelines, all votes are anonymous,” Rocco said. “They will be registered by self or representative, initialed, and confirmed. The results will be shared soon. Since I am the head, I will be excluded from the remainder of the discussion with my lawyer here to represent me should any legal stipulations need to be settled.”

“And I’d like a break before we begin again,” Mr. Sears said. “Ten minutes.”

Everyone nodded, and we all stood up. Olivia came over to me and pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m so excited you’re going to try to have a baby.”

“I am, too,” I said with a lift in my tone.

She let go and kissed Rocco. “Hey, don’t worry.”

Rocco smiled down at me and clasped the side of my face. “Whatever is to come, I’m ready for it.”

“I’m with you.”

He kissed my cheeks. “See you soon.”

I agreed with Rocco. He couldn’t have stated his case better, and while I didn’t want him to take the CEO position permanently, I understood he would put his family first, even before his own ambitions. That loyalty was what made him a great leader and why Luca chose him. It was also why I loved him.

Zane gestured for me to follow him into the elevator, and I yawned.

“Tired? Can I bring the car around?” he offered.

“No,” I replied, letting my gaze linger on the golden sunset spilling over Florence’s stone rooftops. Contentment settled over me. “Let’s take a walk.” I glanced back at the building, thoughnot as confident as before. However, I was sure that whatever we had to do, I would be ready.

My hands rubbed my eyes.Ding. Another email?

Hello Lina,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits.

We reviewed the new sketches and have sent our feedback on your changes.

Please refer to the glossary that we’ve attached; it works as a design bible for all things Perchance to Dream productions. I understand this is all new for you, but if you need someone else to take some of your work to meet the deadline, just let me know.

I’m eager to have these completed on time, as it will be crucial for the upcoming project presentation. By the way, I wonder if you had time to look at the course I sent?

Abigail Highwater

Art and Design Manager

Perchance to Dream Publishing

No, Abigail, I haven’t managed to read the three emails you fired off just an hour ago. I’m working.My fingers curved around my now-cold coffee cup, and I groaned. Another late night, and there was no chance I’d stop working now. I stood up, glancing at the clock.Eleven p.m.

Rocco still hadn’t come home. He hadn’t made it back before one a.m. all week. Is this really the life Luca imagined for us?No, this is CEO Rocco, the perfectionist who believes he needs control over everything.He packed his online calendar with meetings for every department. He hadn’t even mentionedThe Age of Sin’swins at San Sebastián or our Critics Choice Awards invite in Los Angeles. I missed him. I wanted him back, but there was nothing I could do.

Jacob’s face popped up on my screen, along with a FaceTime notification.Jacob?I winced, realizing I’d forgotten we agreed to a quick catch-up at five p.m. his time and eleven p.m. mine. Grabbing my brush, I quickly tugged it through my hair and then hit connect. FaceTime connected, but it wasn’t Jacob. “Grandmother?”

“There you are, Adelina,” she said in a light tone, and I was glad I brushed my hair. Hers was pulled back into a chignon, with every strand in place. She had a brooch on her pale-pink shirt that caught my eye. Its shape resembled the flying hearts in Jacob’s painting. “Is that Jacob’s art on your collar?”