Page 97 of The Billionaire's Destiny

He grinned. “I don’t. I feel like someone who’s run a thriving shop and is finally free to dream bigger. Now I can give more energy to my productions, find more investors, and build my own studio.” He reached over, resting his hand gently on my belly. “And you and Baby Marini. That’s what I want, and I’m not done. I know I will still rise to the top.”

“You will,” I said with confidence. “I believe in you and am a hundred percent behind your work.”

Rocco lifted his arm, and I moved over and placed my head on his chest. He closed his arm around me and kissed my forehead. “As long as we’re together, my darling.”

Tension eased in his arms, and I relaxed, closing my eyes. When the car slowed, I opened them and stared out the window. “What are we doing here?”

My pulse spiked so fast that my temples throbbed in pain. I sucked in air and lifted my eyes up at Rocco, who had a guarded expression on his face.

We weren’t at Luca’s house; he’d taken us to the Marini Estate.

My heartbeat stumbled wildly, a trapped bird banging against the cage. I could see Rick and Zane patrolling out the window, yet my worries refused to turn off.Judge Colby only needs a second. Look how quickly it happened the first time.

Rocco took my hands. “Breathe in and out. Come with me.”

I followed his lead, reminding myself to stay calm, not just for me but for our baby.Inhale. Exhale. I’m safe.The baby’s safe.My pulse slowed down as I fought back to what was rational. There was no way Judge Colby could get to the house without someone seeing him now. There were cameras and security everywhere. Once I felt steadier, I glared in annoyance. “Rocco, come on. Why did you take me here? I don’t want to be here.”

“Listen to me, Adelina,” he said. “You say you want to move on. This is where you need to do it. Trust me, please. It’s still our home, the one we share and will bring our baby to.”

I gazed at the estate. Once, its grounds had dazzled me with their grandeur, but now shadows clung to every corner, making the place dark and intimidating. All I could see was me, weak, bleeding, and afraid. Even so, I pushed open the car door and stepped out. Rocco was right. I had come too far to turn back.No matter what, I won’t let Judge Colby win.

Rocco trailed just behind, close but careful not to crowd me as we approached the front door. I drew in a steadying breath and pushed it open. My gaze swept past the foyer, landing at the foot of the staircase. An easel stood there, bearing a sketch. I shot Rocco a questioning look, but his face gave nothing away. Compelled, I moved straight to the drawing and felt my breath catch.

Santiago had broken his own rule and left this drawing for me to see before he painted it. The sketch was created on the worst day of my life. His talent was obvious in the realistic details. I could see my face and wedding dress in the charcoal lines. But there was more to it, a story. I saw myself standing with my back bowed, but my head held high in triumph. My joy was clear in my eyes, even if my smile was small. He captured the woman I believed I had become: strong, capable, and in love. Adelina Tessa Marini survived everything and would thrive.Resilience is still my superpower.

I turned toward Rocco, and he took my face in his hands, his eyes boring in with intensity.

“That’s you, my Bella. Santiago captured you so beautifully. I hate that happened to you, but I know you well. You can rise above it all. Fire and fight, my love. No one can keep you down.”

“No one can because I have so much to live for. I have you, my darling.” I swallowed hard and wrapped him in a fierce embrace and kissed him with all the love I had. His unwavering support and faith gave me strength in my darkest times. I never stayeddown, and there was more good than bad in our home.I will move forward.

We separated, and he once again gave me space to make this decision. I retraced the steps I had taken on that unforgettable day, walking through the kitchen and out to the very place down the steps from the patio where my life had nearly ended. Now, the ground was covered in blossoms and bouquets, each arrangement a tapestry of memories: the flowers the same as the ones in our room in Cannes, one like the centerpieces at our summer family dinners, and even an arrangement similar to the one at our sultan’s feast by the sea during our honeymoon. My life overflowed with cherished moments, and those treasures would always be mine. He couldn’t take them from me.

I swallowed hard. Rocco had turned pain into beauty. “It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful, Bella,” he murmured softly, then kissed me.

“Thank you, and I’m glad we came by. I feel better seeing it.” Seeing the change was healing and gave me comfort, yet I still couldn’t stop the nagging feeling my father could be close.

“I’m not done, Bella.” I looked at him, and his expression was serious. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”

My brows knitted. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t watched all of Luca’s video,” he said. “And I think it would be a great time for you to see it.” Sadness sank into me, knowing it would very well be his last message, but I didn’t resist and went with Rocco. He placed his hand on my back and led me over to his large office, and we sat together behind the desk. He went into his bag and removed the flash drive Luca left for me. “There’s something you should see.”

I lifted my brows questioningly.

“I had Gunnar make a copy of it and remove this section of the video.” His tone was mysterious, leaving me even more anxious to see what was there.

He pressed the video, and I instantly recognized Luca’s office, though it was darker. A few seconds later, Luca came into view, looking even frailer.

I touched my throat, and Rocco put his arm around my shoulder.

Luca swiped the sweat from his brow and neck. “It’s still sweltering this evening. You both just left. That was a lovely dinner tonight.” He beamed at the camera. “It was a beautiful sight, seeing you two together.” He waggled his finger. “I could see you were already falling for Rocco’s charm.”

I glanced over at Rocco, but his attention remained on the screen.

“Rocco…he falls in love quickly; I can assure you he’s already taken with you.”