CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
I scanned the sea of faces outside Marini Corporate, a wave of nausea tightening my throat. The heat from the camera lights and the staccato bursts of flashes pressed against my skin. Rocco squeezed my hand for attention, worry flickering in his eyes. “Are you sure this is okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine,” I said, forcing a smile as Rick and Zane flanked us, along with four security guards as we approached the podium in front of the building.
Walter and Rita stepped forward to join us.
His familiar, easy demeanor, which I enjoyed spending time with over the summer, was now electrified by authority.
He stood on equal footing with Rocco. A flicker of resentment sparked in me, but then I remembered Luca, who had once stepped aside to chase his own path, only to return with ventures that launched Marini into a new era.
The family had welcomed him back as their leader. And they will do the same for Rocco.
A group of employees came out of the building and encircled us. One of them came over and whispered in Rocco’s ear loud enough for me to hear. “It’s time.”
Rocco pressed a kiss to the back of my hand before releasing me, stepping forward to join Walter amid a swell of cheers and applause.
He playfully tapped one of the many microphones, turning on his charismatic charm that made everyone excited to listen.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for us at Marini Corporate. Our mission is clear: to lead in redefining sustainable tech and drive innovation that matters. We continue to set the standard with the best team in the world.”
The employees clapped, and some cheered.
Rocco paused, then continued. “With Luca’s untimely death, I took back the seat at Marini Corporate.
However, that has now come to an end, and it’s with great pleasure that I announce that Walter Marini, who has worked at Marini Corporate for the last thirty years and has risen to the position of Chief Operations Officer, has agreed to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Marini Corporate.
There isn’t a better leader to continue our company’s success. Walter Marini.”
We all clapped, though murmurs rippled through the crowd, and the energy shifted with unease. Rocco hugged Walter, and he kissed Aunt Rita’s cheek before returning to stand with me.
Walter stood taller as he moved over to the speaker.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Rocco and Luca’s outstanding leadership.
Their guidance and dedication to every employee have made Marini Corporate one of the best companies in the world and a great place to work.
I remember my first day here, over thirty years ago, working the sales floor under Luca Marini’s watchful eye.
He always emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity.
It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.
I take on this position with the same energy and enthusiasm for our company.
Marinis will continue to grow in the years to come. Thank you.”
Rocco approached the podium again and stood with Walter for questions.
“Rocco, why are you stepping down now? Luca Marini named you as the successor of Marini Enterprises; does this mean you’re no longer chair of Marini Enterprises?”
Rocco lifted his chin. “We all believed Walter’s dedication to Marini Corporate would be a better fit, and I have taken on the role as co-chair with him to continue Marini Enterprises’ success.”
The murmurs turned to loud whispers, while the press continued to scream out questions.
“Rocco, are you going to produce movies or create a studio?”
Rocco smiled. “Watch me. One more question for me, and I’m turning things over to Walter.”
“Okay. Are you upset the police haven’t arrested Judge Eric Colby?”
Heat broke across my skin, sweat beading my forehead as anxiety surged. I swept my gaze over the crowd. Was he lurking somewhere, watching us? Would he try to harm our baby?
“Adelina?” Rocco’s urgent whisper cut through my panic.
I looked up, and he was instantly at my side, his arm wrapping protectively around my shoulders. “Let’s get out of here.”
Walter’s voice echoed through the microphone, drawing some of the press back as he began to reaffirm his changes within the organization.
Still, a determined group of reporters peeled away from the press conference to follow us.
We hurried to the car, and I quickly climbed inside, sinking into the seat, my heart pounding, my hand clutching my stomach.
“Are you in pain? We’ll go to the hospital,” Rocco’s voice rose.
“No…no, pain…I just,” I ran out of words, unable to think of how to explain it.
“He’s gone, Adelina,” he said. “Please.”
I stared down at my hands on my stomach. “How do you know for sure? I mean…it’s not that I’m scared for myself; I’m worried about him trying again, and I’m pregnant.”
He lifted my chin. “Please, hear me, Adelina. I’m speaking the truth when I tell you that he’s gone, and you’ll never hear from him again.”
I didn’t answer but knew that Rocco wanted to protect me. But I needed more, to see Judge Colby in handcuffs.
“Maybe this was too soon for you.”
I glanced back at Rocco as the city blurred past our windows.
“Are you upset the police haven’t arrested Judge Eric Colby?” It was that question. The noise in my head that still fears he’ll attack again. “No, it wasn’t too soon. That question just caught me off guard. And we were so public.”
“There were at least ten officers ahead of us and six bodyguards. Adelina, I wouldn’t risk bringing you if it wasn’t safe.”
“True, and I believe you,” I replied, forcing a smile.
“But I’d feel safer if I knew where Judge Colby was.
It’s like I’m stuck in limbo. He’s out there.
” Could he be hiding on the Luca’s estate?
A memory flashed in my mind: the crooked smile on his face, his hands open wide and red-stained.
The thought of him haunting my days felt like his last act of vengeance.
“Then we must do something about that,” Rocco muttered.
Ding. My phone chimed.
“Let it go. We can’t let him take every moment from us,” Rocco pointed out. “Check your messages, and I’ll check mine.”
My hands removed the phone from my purse, and there were many messages with congratulations on the cover, so I started replying. Rocco opened his own phone and let out a heavy sigh.
“What’s up?” I asked.
Rocco rolled his neck. “Marini stocks dropped after the market opened. We saw it coming, but still.” He exhaled slowly. “Walter will have to take care of it.” His voice was tight, the struggle to release control clear in every word.
“You’re still holding a position of leadership, and Walter knows you’re available to help out if they need you.”
He offered a wistful smile. “I am, but I’ve truly let go. Honestly, I expected to feel awful about stepping down, but I don’t.”
“You don’t?”
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.