Page 98 of The Billionaire's Destiny

My face warmed. Rocco remained quiet.

“He’s so gifted, intelligent, and handsome, like me.” He chuckled dryly. “Rocco lives by his instincts, just like me, and I can already see he wants to make a lasting bond. What’s the key to a successful arranged marriage? I suppose it’s like all marriages. Keep your heart open, build a friendship.” He paused, struggled to catch his breath, and then continued. “Listen to each other, talk. You’ll both make mistakes, but as long as there’s love, you’ll overcome them. Challenges are part of life, and the more you have, you’ll find they double. But don’t ever let any of the hard times keep you down. You have us, Rocco, our family. You can overcome it.”

It was as if Luca could see straight into my thoughts. He had always been so wise, and the ache in my heart deepened, knowing our child would never experience his warmth and brilliance.

Luca’s eyes softened, and he sat back, speaking as if in a trance. “Our Rocco. He’ll get everything. No matter what I do, he’s determined to build his movie studio. I’m very proud of all he’s done. But, as I’ve said to you both tonight, he must prioritize our family and legacy. I know you’ll support him and do what’s necessary.” He coughed.

“Listen to me. I don’t know if I have much time, but let me tell you what I’ve always wanted to say. I love you so much, Adelina Tessa Belfiore. You’re smart, talented, and beautiful. You’re learning to love and heal. I’m proud of the woman you’re becoming, and I count on you to bring the Belfiores and Marinis together.” He closed his hand as if in prayer, then smiled. “But you, my dear. Let me tell you your future. You’re going to illustrate books that’ll add to our library here.” He gestured toward the room. “You’ll paint in this garden. Your kids will play and eat in the yard. Thisisyour home, and I hate that I may…may not be there to see you grow.” He choked up, wiped his eyes, and coughed. He held up his hand but couldn’t stop coughing. Rocco leaned closer, his sadness and frustration as palpable as I imagined my own.

Luca took out a handkerchief and coughed again into it. It changed from white to red, a stark reminder of his deteriorating health that sent a shiver down my spine.

A sob tore from my chest, and Rocco gathered me close, holding me until my tears slowed. When I finally looked up, I saw his eyes glistening, too. His shared grief wrapped around me, offering the comfort I needed.

My hands reached for the mouse, hoping there was still more to see. I wasn’t ready to let Luca go. But then it came on again, but it wasn’t Luca sitting at his desk. It was a man behind the desk, glaring at the screen. “What are you up to, old man?”

“Judge Colby,” I hissed.

He was clean in a pressed suit and tie and had a leather bag with him that he opened. His head shifted side to side before he opened up the drawers. He pulled out the copy of Lady Chatterley’s book, and it rattled hollowly. He opened the front cover and reached in, pulling out a beautiful diamond collar necklace. The sound of the door creaking prompted him to shove the hollowed book back in. He hesitated, letting out a curse, then put the necklace back.

“Mr. Colby? I asked you to wait in the living room.”

“That’s Diedra,” Rocco said sharply. “She retired.”

Judge Colby harrumphed. “I always wait for Luca in the office.”

“B-but-but…” Diedra stuttered.

“I know your son,” Judge Colby said to her. “Wouldn’t want him to lose his job at the New York law firm and his license. Now get out of here and get Luca.”

I pursed my lips. He always found a way to hurt someone.

“What the hell are you doing here?” We could hear Luca’s voice in the room. “Get the hell away from my desk.”

“I told him not to come back here—”

“It’s fine, Diedra. I’ll handle him. You can go now.”

The door clicked closed.

“Strange way to greet me, old friend.” Judge Colby’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

“We were never friends,” Luca yelled off-screen.

“That’s right. You pretended to be my friend to use me.”

“We used each other,” Luca said matter-of-factly. “I regret it; you don’t.”

“Regret what? Becoming addicted? Losing everything? I don’t get why you’re against me now.”

“Because you’re a sociopath—”

“Bullshit. You want Adelina. That’s it. But you don’t get her for free.” He smiled impishly, and bile rose in my throat. I covered my mouth.

“You’re disgusting,” Luca said and huffed. “You came to my home and threatened to blackmail me? Go right ahead. Do your best, but I’ll never allow you to hurt Adelina and her family again.”

Judge Colby guffawed. “You got that out; now let’s be serious. You tried to buy her from me, you gave me money to blackmail Connie and Reggie, and I have the proof.” He patted his bag. “Just give me ninety million, and I’ll keep quiet.”

“How dare you? Get the fuck out of here. Do you hear me, Colby?” Luca came around the desk.