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‘Thank you, Nicolò. That means a lot,’ Marco said quietly.

‘And Edoardo, I know your passion for helicopters is second to none. You’ve been playing with the toy ones in your room since you were a child, taking them apart and rebuilding them, understanding everything about them. You’re the technical wizard who keeps everything up in the air.’

Edoardo couldn’t help but look smug, revelling in the rare praise from his father.

‘But I can’t deny that life has lost its sweetness since Stephana was taken from us.’ His head drooped and for a second he looked ten years older than he was. ‘I don’t know how long I have left on this earth, and God willing one day I will see Stephana in heaven but, until then, I want to make the most of the family I have left.’

He paused and eyed them both. ‘So, I’ve made my decision. I’m stepping down from the day-to-day running of Elicotteri Conti, effective as of today. I’ll still retain a controlling share of the company, but will act as a silent partner. Marco, you will become interim head of the company, the acting CEO.’

‘What?’ Edoardo burst out, jumping to his feet. ‘But that’s not fair.’

Nicolò looked furious at the interruption, once again holding up a finger to silence his son. ‘For now, Marco is best placed to take over. He has the experience and the ambition required. He is the one that has grown this business, and what’s fair,’ he continued, quoting Edoardo, ‘is that his work is recognized and rewarded.’ Nicolò turned to Marco. ‘I haven’t asked you – are you willing to take on the responsibility?’

Marco blew out the air in his cheeks, looking from Nicolò’s questioning expression to Edoardo’s furious one. ‘It’s a surprise, Nicolò. I thought you’d continue for another decade at least,’ he smiled wryly. ‘But I’m honoured by your trust in me. You know I’m committed to this family and this company. I’ll do everything I can to take it to even greater success.’

‘Thank you, Marco. I knew I could rely on you. You’re like a son to me.’

Edoardo slammed his fist on the table, his face turning puce with rage. ‘But he’s not your son!’ he burst out. ‘I am. I’m your own flesh and blood. And we all know that if it wasn’t for him then Stephana wouldn’t be d—’

‘That’s enough!’ Nicolò roared, cutting him off. ‘Say one more word and I’ll throw you out of this room and out of the company.’

Father and son stared at one another, both breathing hard, lips clenched tightly and foreheads furrowed in anger.

‘My decision is final,’ Nicolò continued. ‘If you can’t work under Marco, then you’re welcome to resign.’

Edoardo didn’t say a word, but his fists were clenched, his knuckles white, as he fought to bring his temper under control.

‘Fine,’ he spat, through clenched teeth. ‘Whatever you say, Father.’

‘Good,’ Nicolò retorted, getting to his feet. ‘Now, I’m taking my wife to Palermo for a few days. I’ll check in with you both next week.’

He walked out, leaving the two men alone in the room, the tension thicker than the Venetian fog.

Chapter 7

‘Look, I know the budget’s kinda spiralling, but you gotta trust me. Have I ever let you down before? This movie’s gonna be the biggest and the best yet. I know we’ll make it all back at the box office, the returns will be huge …’

Issy watched as Brad Redford paced across his suite, talking intently on his BlackBerry.

‘Sure, sure,’ he was saying. ‘But you gotta understand …’

He seemed engrossed in the conversation, and Issy decided to take her opportunity. Casually, she took her purse out of her bag, sliding out the work credit card that Brad had given her to pay for anything he needed – from coffees and protein bars to designer clothing and even, on one memorable occasion, the deposit on a Lamborghini. The last thing she’d used it for was the snow globe that Brad had bought for her on the opening night of Carnevale, and she felt a wave of guilt for what she was about to do.

But what choice do I have?

Grabbing her laptop, Issy went through to the dining area of the suite, sitting down at the table and positioning herself opposite the door so she would see Brad if he appeared. Glancing down, Issy tapped in the numbers from the credit card with shaking fingers.

Just a few hundred dollars, she told herself. Brad would never notice, and besides, she’d return it just as soon as she got her next pay cheque.

She clicked confirm and the transfer was completed. A sick feeling swirled in her stomach.

‘Issy?’ Brad stuck his head around the door.

Issy slammed the laptop shut, swiping the credit card off the table and into her palm. ‘Yes?’ She tried to look unruffled, though her heart was thumping.

‘Jeez, those guys are really busting my ass. All they care about is money – they don’t appreciate the creative side.’ Brad shook his head irritably. ‘The guys from the stunt company will be here any second. Can you let them in, then call Gina and ask her to come up?’

‘Sure,’ Issy did her best to look unruffled. ‘No problem.’