Page 101 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“What spark?”

“Letting go of fear and moving with me.”

There was a shift inside me and a renewed feeling of energy, something I lost after the attack. “I feel energized. So, come on. Tell me your plan.”

“It’s just like I said. I get more investors, schmooze, fundraise, maybe with an established organization as a collaborator.”

I shook my head as thoughts began to form. “We can donate to other established funds and encourage those in attendance to do so as well, but I’d like to do something personal. A fundraiser for families of those battling addiction. I remember the helplessness, not just from Judge Colby’s violence, but from the endless cycle. It drains the life out of you. I want to help families like mine. But not just with connection of services, but with keeping a promise. He’d made so many, I want to be that gap that steps in and gives families hope again.” Like Luca had been for me with the books. He gave me worlds and wisdom to grow and dreams to believe in.

“I love it. We’ll give you a team to work on it. I’ll get Isla on it—”

“No,” I interrupted. “I don’t want Isla to handle it. She can set up meetings and introductions, but I want to be involved, notshow up and take the credit. I appreciate how she makes things smooth, but I want to do the work myself, just like you.”

He kissed me deeply. “Damn, you’re irresistible when you talk like that.”

“Only when I talk like that?” I teased, arching a brow. He tickled me, making me laugh until I kissed him again. His hands stilled, and he groaned. “We should stop in New York. I have a production I’d like to look in on and some other brand shoots.”

I bobbed my head. “Good. I’d like to meet Lily Crane and the team at Perchance to Dream Publishing in person.”

He took out his phone. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s get on it.”

Ding.My phone chimed. We exchanged a glance, both knowing it was mine. I picked up, my heart skipping.Grandfather?I mouthed “grandfather” to Rocco. He smirked, flashing a thumbs-up, and I nearly burst out laughing. I understood. My grandparents had been harsh with him, especially when they pressured him to marry me after Luca’s funeral.

“Hello, Grandfather.”

“Hello, Adelina. How are you? Did I catch you both at a good time?”

“Yes, we’re fine.”

“The baby?” His voice sounded cheerful, yet there was a faint tremor I couldn’t quite place. Concern? It made me feel warm inside, and I paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath before answering.

“Yes, the baby’s fine.”

“That’s good. How’s Rocco?”

“He’s fine. We’re going back to New York for a week.”

“Good. I’d like to invite you both over for dinner.”

I covered the phone and looked at Rocco, a mix of hope and anxiety knotting in my stomach. “He wants to invite us for dinner,” I said with a nervous smile. The thought of themcasting their old judgments on Rocco gnawed at me. What if they reopened wounds that were barely healing or questioned the love we fought so hard for? Yet, even battling against these old resentments, I couldn’t hide the happiness from my voice. After years of feeling like their project, this invitation felt like a win.

Rocco turned to me, meeting my eyes with a calm determination. “Yes, tell them we’ll be delighted to go,” he said while gently squeezing my hand, a silent promise that we would face whatever came our way together.

“We’d love to come.”

“Good. It’ll be formal, and I’ll send the details. Glad you’re coming. Constance will be thrilled to see you.”

I trembled with happiness as Rocco put his arm around my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please tell her I’m looking forward to seeing her, too.”

I didn’t know how it would go, but I would return to them and the Westchester estate.

The sight of the skyscrapers used to feel daunting, like towering giants surrounding me, but now, anticipation coursed through my veins at being in this ageless city. Our plan this time was different. It included courting the press, even if their questions touched on the most personal aspects of our lives. Isla joined us, settling in across the table to walk through our first pap walks.

“The press is waiting nearby, and I’ve included a few reporter allies who will snap photos to publish. You’ll have a chance to answer questions. Adelina, I didn’t exclude questions about your father.”

I sat taller in my seat. “That’s right. I need to get used to answering questions about my family.” Rocco gave my hand a squeeze, adding his pleasure at my response.

“Great.” She smiled and typed on her tablet, then shifted her attention to Rocco. “They’re prepared to ask about the movie studio and you stepping down.”