Page 96 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“Rocco, why are you stepping down now? Luca Marini named you as the successor of Marini Enterprises; does this mean you’re no longer chair of Marini Enterprises?”

Rocco lifted his chin. “We all believed Walter’s dedication to Marini Corporate would be a better fit, and I have taken on the role as co-chair with him to continue Marini Enterprises’ success.”

The murmurs turned to loud whispers, while the press continued to scream out questions.

“Rocco, are you going to produce movies or create a studio?”

Rocco smiled. “Watch me. One more question for me, and I’m turning things over to Walter.”

“Okay. Are you upset the police haven’t arrested Judge Eric Colby?”

Heat broke across my skin, sweat beading my forehead as anxiety surged. I swept my gaze over the crowd. Was he lurking somewhere, watching us?Would he try to harm our baby?

“Adelina?” Rocco’s urgent whisper cut through my panic.

I looked up, and he was instantly at my side, his arm wrapping protectively around my shoulders. “Let’s get out of here.”

Walter’s voice echoed through the microphone, drawing some of the press back as he began to reaffirm his changes within the organization. Still, a determined group of reporters peeled away from the press conference to follow us. We hurriedto the car, and I quickly climbed inside, sinking into the seat, my heart pounding, my hand clutching my stomach.

“Are you in pain? We’ll go to the hospital,” Rocco’s voice rose.

“No…no, pain…I just,” I ran out of words, unable to think of how to explain it.

“He’s gone, Adelina,” he said. “Please.”

I stared down at my hands on my stomach. “How do you know for sure? I mean…it’s not that I’m scared for myself; I’m worried about him trying again, and I’m pregnant.”

He lifted my chin. “Please, hear me, Adelina. I’m speaking the truth when I tell you that he’s gone, and you’ll never hear from him again.”

I didn’t answer but knew that Rocco wanted to protect me. But I needed more, to see Judge Colby in handcuffs.

“Maybe this was too soon for you.”

I glanced back at Rocco as the city blurred past our windows.

“Are you upset the police haven’t arrested Judge Eric Colby?”It was that question. The noise in my head that still fears he’ll attack again. “No, it wasn’t too soon. That question just caught me off guard. And we were so public.”

“There were at least ten officers ahead of us and six bodyguards. Adelina, I wouldn’t risk bringing you if it wasn’t safe.”

“True, and I believe you,” I replied, forcing a smile. “But I’d feel safer if I knew where Judge Colby was. It’s like I’m stuck in limbo. He’s out there.” Could he be hiding on the Luca’s estate? A memory flashed in my mind: the crooked smile on his face, his hands open wide and red-stained. The thought of him haunting my days felt like his last act of vengeance.

“Then we must do something about that,” Rocco muttered.

Ding. My phone chimed.

“Let it go. We can’t let him take every moment from us,” Rocco pointed out. “Check your messages, and I’ll check mine.”

My hands removed the phone from my purse, and there were many messages with congratulations on the cover, so I started replying. Rocco opened his own phone and let out a heavy sigh.

“What’s up?” I asked.

Rocco rolled his neck. “Marini stocks dropped after the market opened. We saw it coming, but still.” He exhaled slowly. “Walter will have to take care of it.” His voice was tight, the struggle to release control clear in every word.

“You’re still holding a position of leadership, and Walter knows you’re available to help out if they need you.”

He offered a wistful smile. “I am, but I’ve truly let go. Honestly, I expected to feel awful about stepping down, but I don’t.”

“You don’t?”