Chapter 14 - The Father's Offer
Giorgio Moretti came to the estate carrying an old leather briefcase. He made himself an espresso and sat across from Alessandro without asking permission.
"You look tired," he said.
"I've had a busy month."
"Your woman has gone to the police. Romano's nephew is being questioned. You're cutting old friends loose for somebody who won't even live under your roof."
"Rosa isn't my possession. Neither is Lily."
Giorgio slid a folder across the desk. "Sign this. I'll arrange for Vincent to restore the business agreement. In return you resume the engagement and keep your private life private."
Alessandro did not open it. "You think a wedding can repair what you've done to the company?"
"The company survived before you could read."
"Then why threaten two hundred and forty employees to control my choice?"
Giorgio's face darkened. "I made this family safe."
"You made us afraid of disappointing you. That isn't safety."
His father's hand tightened on the cup. "Your mother understood sacrifice."
"Don't use her."
"Elena stayed beside me until she died."
"She died in a car outside Naples," Alessandro answered. "I spent years imagining what she'd say if she were here. The one thing I know is that she never once asked me to be frightened of you."
Giorgio stood so abruptly the saucer rattled.
"What is this, then? You plan to become a gentle little father while your enemies count your weaknesses?"
"I plan to stop calling people weaknesses."
He pushed the unsigned folder back.
"You can keep your arrangement. You cannot keep my consent."
Giorgio picked up the papers. At the doorway he turned.
"The company's board meets Monday. Don't imagine blood protects your position."
May you like
After he left, Alessandro called company counsel and requested an independent review of the contracts he had approved. For once, he did not ask whether the process would embarrass the family.
He asked what he might be personally responsible for.
