Page 88 of The Rebel Billionaire

“How were negotiations?” Tomasso asks.

This is the first time he’s trusted one of his sons to take the reins.

“Good. Marco drives a hard bargain, but we’ve come to an agreement.”

“And drunk copious amounts of coffee, no doubt.” Tomasso laughs.

“That as well.”

“It’s now lunchtime,” he says, clapping his hands. “No more talk of work. Now we rest.”

We follow him to the Rustico he’s renovated, close to the factory.

“How was today?” I ask Elise and Brooke as we get into the car.

“Successful. It helped to have Brooke here. You have a good eye,” Elise says.

“Thank you. I’ve always loved clothes. I used to design my dolls’ clothes growing up. Today has been amazing. I appreciate you letting me be a part of it,” she replies.

I stare at Elise, seeing she means every word. Interesting. Is there nothing Brooke can’t turn her hand to? Or maybe my mother is aware that she loves design, and this is her way of getting Brooke into the company without the qualifications we usually require.

Valentina, Tomasso’s wife, comes out to greet us, leading us to a table with a large spread of meats and salads.

“This is amazing,” Brooke says, thanking her.

I almost roll my eyes when Valentina sits next to her and begins questioning her in broken English.

Brooke takes every question in her stride until Giovanni steps in.

“Mamma, enough. Let the poor woman eat some food.”

Valentina places a hand on Brooke’s arm, apologising.

“Please, there’s no need. It’s been lovely talking to you. I miss my own Mamma.”

Valentina’s eyes soften, and something twists in my chest. I’ve not really considered her living in New York, miles away from all of her friends and family.

We finish lunch and say our goodbyes. Tomorrow we’ll be visiting the factory, so Elise and Brooke can conduct the necessary audits for compliance. While they’re busy, I’ll get to visit my younger sister, Gabriella, who’s studying for her master’s in Rome.

CHAPTER 25

HARPER

Our phones ping as I reach reception.

ELISE:

I won’t be joining you. Something’s come up.

ME:

Everything okay?

ELISE:

A friend is in town and asked if I wanted to go to dinner.

ME: